A Little Flame / Sirius Black

Chapter One

Ria stared morosely at her best friend. Lily was glowing with the news of her own pregnancy.

"But Ria, why don't you want to be the godmother to my child? And what do you mean you won't be around?" Lily asked.

Ria felt that she should cut to the chase. She told her friend everything except the identity of the father of her child. No need of putting James in a tight spot with his best friend.

" I have contacted my father and brother and they want me to come home and have the baby there. I'll be back in Britain after some time. I mean Britain was always home. Mum and I lived here, so I'll be back as I want my baby to attend Hogwarts"

Lily could only nod sadly. Her poor friend had suffered so much in her life and yet can't seem to get a break.

She wondered who the father was. Did he have any idea, what a wonderful person he hurt?

Lily herself was about two and a half months pregnant and was only going to announce the news to the rest of the Marauders on that week. She and James wanted some time on their own.

Ria was barely a month pregnant and already had the father run out on her. Poor thing must be heart broken.

"Anyway I've decided that you're going to be named godmother in absentia while James is planning to ask Sirius to be the godfather"

Ria gave a hysterical sort of laugh.
"Yeah, I'm sure he'll be a great godfather"

Lily laughed along with her, misunderstanding.
"Yeah, with James as a father and Sirius as a godfather, I'm going to be stormed from owls from McGonagall"

Ria found out that she couldn't pretend anymore. She swiftly kissed her friend's cheek and left.

<>

The Potters were holding another dinner. Sirius desperately wanted to miss this one to sort his head out but Prongs has threatened to castrate him if he missed this one. Apparently he had something important to say.

Something heavy had settled into his stomach after the interaction with Ria. He was sure she had the abortion but wished she had taken the money. After all it was more his fault than hers, she was a virgin and he was the experienced one. He should have thought about birth control. Plus, he wasn't even sure the abortion was the right thing.

Sure he knew nothing about kids but he shouldn't have accused Ria of anything or just snapped at her like that. He was probably suffering from temporary insanity. Poor girl, he must apologise.

Well, she was Lily's friend. She might come over today. So he'll apologise. He always had a thing for her and had hoped it might lead to something but he could have blown it for good.

Come on, both their careers were at stake. They were only starting out and a baby must have been a bad decision.

They could start out on a new page.

<>

"Lily and I are pregnant. We are expecting a baby in August" James Potter announced looking every bit the happy and proud expectant father.

As everyone cheered Sirius felt numb. His reaction earlier to Ria was cutting into his heart. This was how normal men reacted when they were told they were going to be a father. With happiness and joy. Not like a complete bastard.

He must find Ria now.

Thankfully Marlene mentioned her before he could.

"Hey, Ria could have stayed for the party and left afterwards" Marlene said conversationally.

Sirius jolted, she left? Left where?

Remus must have asked the same question, for Lily addressed him.

"She got a job abroad. She wanted to be close to her family, and her father wanted to connect with her" Lily said, leaving out the part where Ria wanted to raise her child away from questions. It was Ria's business, and she won't be disclosing anything.

To Sirius it seemed like Ria didn't want to face him after the abortion. Self loathing filled his gut. He was a real bastard. He let a chance of real happiness get away from him, no he threw it away, and made a poor girl leave the country. What had he done?

<>

The international floo made her feel queasy. It always made her feel slightly nauseated but now it made her dizzy too. Had to be her condition.

Triton and Tyson her brothers, greeted her at the reception. Tyson looked excited by the atmosphere at wizarding establishment and gave her a hug without crushing her.

He probably was scared of hurting the baby.

Triton gave her a hug. No words were required. He was her favourite brother growing up. He always knew what she wanted.

While Tyson chattered away in the background, Ria Patil stepped into the sunlight and inhaled the clean air deeply.

She slowly touched her flat belly. 'I've got you baby'.