way to go, tiger | Lorenzo Berkshire

࣪𖤐 Y3 | 8 . The aftermath

YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN KID — TAYLOR SWIFT
'You've got no reason to be afraid.'

They emerge from the Whomping Willow to a pitch black sky. Enzo and Harry assist Ron on his way out, his leg too weak for him to walk. Hermione walks with Remus and Pettigrew so Cassie approaches Sirius, who is standing away from the group and facing the castle.

"Hi." Cassie says, catching his attention.

"Oh, hello." Sirius smiles.

Cassie takes a deep breath, following his gaze to the castle. "So, you're not a murderer after all?"

"Not a murderer, a marauder."

"Isn't there a way we can take it to court and get Pettigrew rightfully arrested?"

"They'd send dementors my way the second one of them spots me, pup." he replies, the nickname sticking like glue. "When did you find out about me and Remus being your parents?"

"A few weeks ago. I overheard Mcgonagall and the Minister in Hogsmeade with Draco."

Sirius' jaw twitches, "Draco, huh? You familiar with the Malfoys?"

Cassie sighs, "Narcissa's alright, Lucius is a bit of a knob, I'll admit."

Sirius chuckles, "Agreed."

"How'd you know them?"

"Narcissa's my cousin— along with Bellatrix Lestrange."

Cassie's eyebrows raise. She's related to Draco and Mattheo. "Bellatrix Lestrange? As in Mattheo's mother?"

"You're friends with the Riddle boy too?" Sirius asks, his eyebrows furrowed. Cassie nods and Sirius sighs. "You live with the Diggory's, don't you?"

Cassie nods again. Her heart thumps at the thought of Cedric. "Cedric's my brother. You'd have to pry my dead body off him before you even think about taking him away from me."

Sirius chuckles, "You know I'd never."

He knows all too well about brothers being taken away from you.

"Good."

"I'm sorry I wasn't there to watch you grow up. You've turned into such a beautiful, strong girl, Cassiopeia."

"It's not your fault."

"No, but I still feel guilty." Sirius adds. "But, if I'm being completely honest, you were the only thing keeping me sane in there. I knew that if I got out of there and saw you again, I'd be okay. I just wanted to see you, not even talk or interact."

"The day I found out, I spoke to Remus. We talked about Cedric and how it would take time for me to adjust. I hope you understand that it's not particularly easy to get used to all this, it's all happening so quick. My main focus at the moment is making sure mine and Cedric's relationship stays put."

"I understand." Sirius replies, thinking about his own brother. Speaking of, Regulus' star shines brightly tonight. It's the first time Sirius has seen it in twelve years. If it weren't for his daughter beside him, he would've broken down on his knees. His Reggie. He's gone and Sirius still doesn't know what to do with that.

Cassie wonders how and why she warmed up to Sirius so quickly. Perhaps it's because she sees herself in him, physically and mentally. For some strange reason, she trusts him with her life.

"Maybe, when all this is over and I'm a free man, you, Remus, Harry and I can be a family." Sirius says.

"I'd like that." Cassie smiles, looking up at him. He puts an arm around her shoulder, and she doesn't flinch. He pulls her in closer and she closes her eyes.