The Corpse That Lived.

Chapter 14

A/N Wattpad had the issue with connectivity and didn't allow me to post this chapter for while, it irratated me so much. Enjoy!!! And don't forget to vote or comment.

When Lily Potter learned that her daughter, Dahlia, was planning to give an interview to the Daily Prophet to clear her name, something in her chest tightened. Dahlia was stepping into the spotlight alone, ready to defend herself against the whispers and accusations that had followed her for months. Lily realized then, with a pang of guilt, that she hadn't done enough as a mother, not as someone who should've been standing by her side from the beginning. If Dahlia was willing to face the world, Lily needed to fight to face her. She called Remus and he promised he'd come over to babysit Hyacinth.

Lily threw floo powder into the fireplace, "I'm going to come through, Sirius," she announced. "I want to see Dahlia."

"Lily, I promised her that-"

"Yes, I know you did, but  I didn't make any promises," she cut him off. "And I need her to know that I won't give up on her, Sirius. I've gone about this all wrong. I need her to know that I will fight for her every single day."

Sirius wisely chose not to argue. It would have been a losing battle, but she was glad he had the good sense not to even attempt it. She needed to see her daughter, right now, and she was glad not to waste her time making that clear to Sirius. "All right," he agreed. "Come on through." Lily stirred up all her courage and tossed the powder int the fireplace.

Seconds later, she tumbled out at Grimmauld Place and brushed the soot off her cloak. Sirius gave her a quick peck on the cheek, then gestured up the stairs. "She's in her room," he explained. "I suppose you should just surprise her. If she has time to think, she'll work herself up into a state."

"Is she doing all right?" she asked worriedly.

"She has good days and bad days. We're working on her magic, and that helps her with feel more confident and calm."

"Sirius, she can't do magic outside of school!"

"Oh Lily. Once a Head Girl, always a Head Girl. I thought James had cured you of that by now," he teased.

"It will instill bad habits," shocked and slightly impressed that Dahlia could perform wandless magic.

"Perhaps," he shrugged. "But it helps her calm down and feel safe so who cares?"

He did have a point, but she didn't have to like it. "You do not want to experience my wrath if you get my daughter into even a speck of trouble."

Sirius mock saluted. "Yes Ma'am," he responded cheekily. "Now go on."

She started towards the stairs, then hesitated as she grasped what was about to happen. This was only the second time she would see Dahlia as a child instead of a baby, and the thought still made her lightheaded. "Sirius," she whispered.

"You'll be all right," he promised.

She gave him a quick hug before taking a deep breath and summoning her strength. Her heart pounded in her ears as she climbed the stairs, and she felt a little dizzy as she walked down the long hallway. All the rooms were open, except one, but the door was slightly ajar and warm light spilled out of it.  You can do this,  she told herself.  This is your daughter. This is the baby you gave birth to, the baby you held in your arms and rocked to sleep every night. You can do this.

One step, then another, and then another. She thought perhaps she should knock, but if she announced her presence, Dahlia might not let her in. She stood for a full minute at the doorway, debating whether she should just walk in. A quiet cough came from inside, and it jolted her out of inaction. She made sure she wasn't visible by the door, then knocked once. "Come in," Dahlia called. Here goes nothing, she thought, stepping into the bedroom to find Dahlia seated at the desk, bent over a piece of parchment. She didn't look up as she entered, obviously expecting her godfather.