Children of Sin

Chapter 15

"I wonder how that's going to go," Peter Pettigrew wondered. His own parents were divorced, and when his mother remarried, he remembered the awkwardness of the whole adjustment. He wondered how these kids would handle it.

"Did you hear what Estelle said?" Victor rushed over to Layla, "she says Maman is dating one of the teachers."

"What?" Layla immediately ends her conversation with Isaac, who groans at the chaos his older sister had caused, "we need to tell Damian."

"Let's go," Victor grabbed his sister's arm, "Sorry for stealing Layla, Isaac."

"No problem," Isaac shook his head, before turning to his sister, "did you really have to create chaos?"

"It was getting boring," Estelle tried to justify, but pouted when her little bother wouldn't stop glaring, "why are you so mean Isaac? Let me have my fun."

"She is acting so much like Austin it's not normal," Clarene complained, "where's the me in her?"

"Damian!" the two siblings interrupt Damian's conversation with little Damian Delancy, "you have to hear this."

"What is it?" Damian asked, readjusting baby Arden in his arms, "I was just about to help Damian hold Arden. Can it wait?"

"Estelle says Maman is dating one of the teachers," Layla blurts out, but is surprised when Damian's expression doesn't change, "how are you so calm?"

"It's Maman's choice to do whatever she wants," Damian began to help the younger Damian hold his little brother, "we don't get to judge, get upset, or get involved. When Maman is ready to talk to us about it, she will. For now, we need to pretend we don't know."

"What a mature boy," Fleamont Potter praised, "far more mature than our James. Isn't that right Mia?"

"Definitely," Euphemia nods, ignoring James' scoffs of betrayal, "our boy is as mature as an imp."

"Fine," Layla huffed, crossing her arms against her chest, "but I really hope she tells us soon. I'm kind of curious."

December 31st, 1992. 

"Kids," Larissa began anxiously, not exactly sure how this should be done. Both her and Leopold had discussed how they were going to tell the triplets. They didn't want them to be uncomfortable, as Leopold was their teacher, but they also didn't want to lie and deceive them. It was a delicate balance of interests. Now, the four of them were sitting on the sofa, and she couldn't get the words out.

"It's alright Maman," Damian put a hand on his mother's, "we know what this is about. Take deep breathes, and then you can tell us who he is. We won't get mad." Damian had realized his mother was trying to introduce the man she was dating because she kept glancing towards the door, looking at her watch, and seemed very nervous. 

"How do you know about that?" Larissa stared open mouthed at her son. She thought she had been so careful.

"Estelle overheard your discussion with the adults and told us," Victor told his mother, "we're okay with it. We just want you to be happy."

Larissa couldn't help it, but her heart warmed at the thought that someone cared that much. Sure they were only children, but they were so kind and loving. How had children she raised ended up like this?

"Alright," Larissa inhaled, and then exhaled, "I'm dating your potions professor, Leopold Arquette."

"Him?" Layla shouted, flabbergasted, "he's your type?"

"I like him enough," Victor shrugged, "I don't mind either way. But if he hurts you," Victor made a slicing motion across his neck, "he'll pay for it dearly."