The charming patisserie sat nestled on a quiet street, its soft golden glow spilling onto the cobblestone sidewalk. The doorbell chimed with a delicate tinkling as Sirius and Amelia entered, both giving the place a cursory glance, wondering if they were perhaps a little too early for whatever errand Dorea had cooked up. The air was filled with the rich aroma of freshly baked pastries, and the staff, with their impeccable manners, greeted them with the kind of warmth that made you feel like royalty, even if you hadn't paid for it yet.
"Quite a place," Sirius remarked, looking around with an arched eyebrow as he casually adjusted his sleeves, the hint of a smirk tugging at his lips. He was dressed in a crisp shirt, his usual swagger in full display, but there was an odd glint in his eyes as he took in the décor—a mix of French elegance and cozy charm. It didn't take much to read between the lines. This was not a normal trip for a misplaced purse.
Amelia, ever the professional, glanced around with a touch of skepticism but kept her cool. Her gaze lingered on the pastry selection, and for just a moment, a flicker of something softer than usual crossed her face. The corners of her lips twitched.
"Could have fooled me," Amelia said dryly, her British accent thick but not unkind. "It looks like the kind of place you bring your aunt for afternoon tea, not a purse retrieval."
"Exactly what I thought," Sirius said with a grin that suggested he wasn't fooled by Dorea's subtle machinations. He reached for a small plate of éclairs, his eyes scanning the room. "I mean, I wouldn't mind stealing a few of those éclairs myself. Not that I'm into pastries, of course. I'm much too rugged for something as delicate as cream-filled desserts."
Amelia gave him a sidelong glance, clearly amused. "Rugged, yes. But 'too rugged'? I find that hard to believe."
"Oh, come on," Sirius laughed. "You really think someone who can pull off a leather jacket like mine would be caught dead in some twee little pastry shop unless there was a purpose to it?"
"Purpose," she echoed with a skeptical raise of her brow. "And let me guess—you're the one who's been dragged into this, yes?"
"Dragged?" Sirius gave a huff of mock offense, though his eyes glinted with mischief. "I'm a master of the savage burn, darling. I do the dragging. Besides, I'm only here because Aunt Dorea made it sound like I'd be doing her a massive favor. You know how it is—when a woman gets that look in her eye…" He leaned back in his chair, placing his hands behind his head. "Aunt Dorea's got that look that says, 'Do it, or I'll ruin you,' but with style."
Amelia snorted, despite herself. She could almost picture it—Dorea's cool, collected charm, masking a steely determination to get exactly what she wanted. But there was something else in Sirius' tone—a warmth that made her feel more at ease, as though the air between them had suddenly lightened.
"You're impossible, you know that?" she teased, settling into her chair more comfortably. She picked up a tea cup, the delicate porcelain feeling absurdly fragile in her large hands. "You're too charming for your own good."
"Just the way I like it." Sirius flashed his signature grin—the one that could melt hearts and break egos in equal measure. He leaned forward, lowering his voice slightly. "But enough about me, Amelia Bones. You seem the type who knows exactly how to command a room, even without a wand."
Amelia paused, setting the tea down. The praise was unexpected—Sirius was certainly known for his bravado, but there was an underlying sincerity in his tone. "That's because I've spent years making sure no one questions my authority." She tilted her head slightly. "Why? Does it intimidate you?"
Sirius chuckled, a deep, throaty laugh that sent a ripple of warmth through the room. "Not in the slightest," he said, eyes twinkling. "I'm just getting started. You may be the Head of the Department, but I'm an expert in reading people." He leaned closer, his voice dropping into a conspiratorial tone. "The real question is—what's it like being the one in charge? The one everyone looks up to?"
Amelia raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the unexpected turn in their conversation. "It's lonely, if I'm being honest," she admitted, her tone softening for a moment before the mask slipped back into place. "There's always someone who wants something from you, but no one ever asks what you want. That's the burden of the badge." She met his gaze, her eyes thoughtful. "But you wouldn't understand that, would you? You've never had to carry that kind of weight."
Sirius' face grew serious for a moment, a flicker of understanding passing between them. He studied her for a long moment, his usual bravado replaced by something more genuine. "You're right," he said quietly. "I don't carry that kind of weight. But that doesn't mean I don't get it."
They sat in silence for a moment, the usual banter fading into something more... substantial. The air between them shifted again, the connection deepening in a way neither of them had anticipated. It wasn't just the allure of good conversation or the setting—it was this, the unexpected finding of someone who understood, even when they hadn't meant to.
But before either of them could say anything more, the door to their private room creaked open slightly, as though on cue.
Sirius raised an eyebrow. "What's this? A dramatic entrance?"
"Perhaps," Amelia said, smoothing down her robes as if to regain her composure. "But if we're talking about dramatic entrances, you'd be the expert, wouldn't you?"
Sirius shot her a wicked grin. "Oh, I do love a bit of drama. But this," he gestured to the pastries and the delicate tea set, "this is subtle drama. And I must say, it suits you."
Amelia rolled her eyes but smiled, her lips curling in spite of herself. "You're impossible, Black."
"And yet, here you are," Sirius said with a mock bow, grinning widely. "Clearly, I've charmed you."
As the door opened fully, neither of them had noticed how much they had relaxed into each other's company. But Dorea and Melania, watching from outside, exchanged a quiet but satisfied glance.
It was the perfect start.
—
The private room at the patisserie, though quaint, held an unexpected magic that wasn't just in the pastries or the fragrant tea—it was in the charged conversation between Sirius Black and Amelia Bones. The soft flicker of candlelight reflected in their eyes, adding a sense of warmth to the unexpectedly pleasant encounter. For someone like Sirius, who thrived on mischief and banter, it was unusual to feel so comfortable. Yet here he was, leaning back in his chair, grinning like he'd just won a bet.
Amelia, ever composed and professional, couldn't deny the easy rhythm they'd fallen into. His irreverence was undeniably entertaining, and the stories he wove about his youth—misadventures at Hogwarts, countless run-ins with authority—left her laughing more than she cared to admit. And she, in turn, shared tales of her years as an Auror—each story a vivid recounting of high-speed chases, clever deceptions, and more than one spectacular face-off with dark wizards who were in way over their heads.
"Well, someone had to clean up after your messes," Amelia said with a smirk, sipping her tea as Sirius' laughter reverberated in the small room.
"Oh, come on," Sirius said with a chuckle, leaning in with the exaggerated air of a storyteller. "You make it sound like I was the problem. Sure, I may have, uh, complicated a few things over the years, but I'm pretty sure half of the mischief I got up to was because I was forced into it." He winked. "Bad influences, really."
Amelia snorted into her tea, her eyes dancing with humor. "Bad influences, huh? Is that what we're calling it now?"
"Exactly. Terrible, really. They should've banned me from spending time with James Potter," Sirius said with a self-deprecating laugh. "That boy was a menace, and I—well, I was just his partner in crime."
She leaned back, smiling thoughtfully. "I can't imagine you being the innocent one in that partnership."
"Oh, but I was the innocent one," Sirius said, raising an eyebrow as though he'd just uncovered a great injustice. "The real troublemaker? Lily Evans. Now, there's a story worth telling."
Amelia raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Lily Evans? Really? I always thought she was the straight-laced one of the group."
Sirius leaned in conspiratorially, his voice dropping an octave. "Lily? She had a side to her. In fact, you haven't lived until you've seen Lily Evans give one of her 'charmed' speeches. Trust me—she could roast a person alive with nothing but her words."
Amelia chuckled, shaking her head. "I can't imagine that."
"I'm telling you, Bones," Sirius said with a dramatic pause. "She could verbally eviscerate someone without even breaking a sweat. And I—well, I was often the subject of her ire." His eyes twinkled with mischief. "But she made it worth it. All those public burnings."
The more they talked, the more they realized just how much they shared. There was a quiet sense of loyalty in both of them—an unspoken code that defined their lives in ways that few others could understand. Amelia had spent years in the Auror office, sacrificing pieces of herself to protect the innocent. Sirius, in his own way, had fought for his friends and family—even if that meant breaking a few rules along the way.
But then, just as Sirius was about to launch into a particularly colorful retelling of a prank that had gone horribly wrong at Hogwarts, his eyes lit up, and he leaned forward with a mischievous gleam in his eye.
"You know what we should do?" Sirius asked, his grin stretching wide across his face. "We should pull a little prank on Dorea and Melania. Just a tiny one."
Amelia raised a single, skeptical eyebrow. "Oh, really?" she asked dryly, clearly intrigued. "And how do you suppose we do that, Mr. Black?"
Sirius leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the tabletop. "Simple. We use a little Transfiguration here, some Illusion there, maybe throw in a dash of chaos, and—poof!" He snapped his fingers with exaggerated flair. "We give them a little taste of their own medicine."
Amelia folded her arms, a playful smirk curling at her lips. "Go on. I'm listening."
Sirius' grin grew wider. "Picture this: Dorea, all prim and proper, sitting there in that perfect little chair of hers, watching her tea float ever so gracefully into the air. And then Melania—oh, Melania—her glass of wine doing a little dance of its own. We'll give them something to really talk about."
Amelia's laughter bubbled out, and she shook her head. "You're absolutely incorrigible."
"I prefer the term 'charming'," Sirius said with a wink. "You in?"
Amelia couldn't help but agree, her own curiosity piqued by the thought of what Sirius' mind could cook up. "Alright, I'm in," she said, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "But I warn you—I'm not going easy on you."
With their plan set, they stood and made their way back to the café, where Dorea and Melania were enjoying the last of their tea, oblivious to the scheme brewing behind them. Sirius and Amelia exchanged a quick, conspiratorial glance as they approached the table.
Sirius' eyes twinkled with mischief as he flicked his wand discreetly, setting the first phase of their prank in motion. Slowly, and with dramatic flair, the teacups on the table began to rise, floating inches above the table, gliding in a slow, delicate dance through the air.
Dorea, ever the composed matriarch, blinked in surprise, her sharp eyes narrowing slightly as she watched the cups hover. "Sirius," she said, her voice a perfect blend of amusement and command. "Really?"
"I didn't do it, Aunt Dorea," Sirius replied, leaning casually against the table. "But someone here has a very whimsical sense of humor."
Melania, her gaze more skeptical but equally intrigued, raised an eyebrow. "Is this your idea of a joke, then?"
"You bet," Sirius grinned, his voice dripping with playfulness. "And there's more."
Amelia, unable to resist, raised her wand, her smile wicked as she cast a subtle charm on the napkins. Almost immediately, the napkins began to write out strange, nonsensical phrases, the ink dancing across the fabric, forming ridiculous doodles and messages that sent both Dorea and Melania into fits of laughter.
The table became a swirling mass of floating teacups, dancing cutlery, and even the sugar bowl, which exploded into a burst of miniature fireworks. Tiny sparks of magic flew through the air, coloring the café with brilliant reds, greens, and golds.
Dorea, who was rarely caught off guard, let out a laugh—one that was a mix of surprise and genuine enjoyment. "You two are a menace," she said with a smirk, watching as the enchanted teacups pirouetted in mid-air.
Melania, too, had given in to the infectious fun, her laugh rich and deep as she watched the magical chaos unfold. "I'll admit, this is unexpected," she said, her voice like a soft purr.
Sirius and Amelia exchanged a triumphant look, their laughter mingling with the others as the prank unfolded beautifully. This was the kind of fun Sirius thrived on—spontaneous, lighthearted, and full of mischief. And as for Amelia, the laughter felt good, in a way she hadn't realized she needed.
By the time the prank had reached its climax, with a plate of biscuits doing an impromptu tap dance, the entire café was filled with laughter. And as the magical effects began to settle, Dorea and Melania shared a look—one that spoke volumes.
Sirius leaned in, whispering to Amelia, "Worth it?"
Amelia grinned, her eyes sparkling with a rare sense of joy. "Definitely."
With that, the moment—filled with mischief, laughter, and the beginnings of something unexpected—became a memory both would cherish, knowing full well that there was more to come.
—
The journey from the busy streets of Paris to the peaceful countryside was a stark contrast. The carriage swayed gently over cobblestone roads as they passed fields dotted with wildflowers and stone cottages, all while the Delacour Family Estate loomed in the distance—its grand form rising majestically against the horizon. The setting sun cast a golden glow over the sprawling grounds, making it appear as though the estate itself was bathed in the light of old magic.
"Ah, mon amis, welcome to la maison des Delacour," Jean-Claude announced with a flourish as he opened the carriage door, gesturing grandly towards the magnificent manor. His voice carried the familiar cadence of his heavily accented French, his charm ever present despite his broken English. "Zis is not just any home, but our refuge and... well, it's where ze best wines are kept. Oui?"
Dorea, ever composed, gave a tight but warm smile, her eyes scanning the estate with a tinge of fondness. She looked every bit the matriarch as she stepped out of the carriage, her voice cool and measured as always. "Indeed. It has a certain... charm." Her gaze then shifted to Jean-Claude, her lips twitching. "Though the wines are hardly the best."
Sirius, who had been leaning against the door of the carriage, raised an eyebrow. "Oh, Dorea, you wound me," he teased, his voice deep and playful. He stood tall, his broad frame imposing next to the older members of the family, and his lips quirked with mischief. "The only thing that could make this place better is a bit of humor... maybe even a little... redecorating."
Jean-Claude rolled his eyes dramatically. "Sirius, mon ami, you have no taste for beauty." He shot a look at his French wife, Apolline, who had just exited the carriage, her blonde hair shimmering in the sunlight.
"Oh, no, no, Jean-Claude," Apolline chimed in with a smirk. "Let him redecorate—just please tell me he's not thinking about a fire-breathing dragon in the foyer again."
Sirius grinned devilishly. "Not a dragon. But I was thinking more along the lines of enchanted armor. Maybe a floating suit that tells jokes."
The children—Fleur, Tonks, Neville, Susan, and Harry—immediately began to explore, chattering excitedly among themselves, their youthful energy infecting the adults. Fleur, at nine years old, led the group with confidence, her blonde curls bouncing as she strode toward the grand entrance with a twinkle in her eye.
"Let's see if zis house has any secret passages!" Fleur declared with a mischievous grin. "My father tells me stories of them."
Tonks—whose shapeshifting abilities had given her a talent for surprising others—mimicked an exaggerated old wizard's voice as she marched alongside Fleur. "And if you go that way, you'll find the hidden treasure of the Black family. But beware of the enchanted rats!" she said in an exaggerated whisper, clearly enjoying herself. Her eyes sparkled with impish delight as she turned to the others. "What do you think, Neville? Think you can handle a rat fight?"
Neville, ever the brave one despite his shyness, gave a determined nod. "I'm not afraid of rats," he said with a puffed chest. "I'll take on anything."
Susan, eyes wide, looked at her older sister, "Fleur, you think it's true? There's treasure?"
"Of course there's treasure," Fleur responded, her French accent thick as she threw an arm around her sister. "But ze true treasure is zis—family." She gave a cheeky grin, causing the others to burst into giggles.
Inside, the adults were greeted by the ever-energetic house-elves, who bowed to them respectfully, their large ears twitching. "Welcome, masters and mistresses. Zis way to ze rooms, please."
As they made their way through the marble corridors, the sight of portraits—dignified Black ancestors with stern faces—seemed to follow them, their eyes silently judging. Arcturus Black, tall, his presence like that of a shadow, chuckled darkly.
"Good to be back," Charlus said quietly, standing at the head of the group, his tone rich with nostalgia. His sharp features looked softer than usual, but only slightly. It was clear his emotions were well-hidden, his voice that of someone who'd lived a thousand lives. "This place... has a certain way of making time feel irrelevant."
Arcturus grunted in agreement. "It does. Too much of it in these walls." His voice was low, a slow roll of thunder from an ancient storm. His eyes drifted to the portraits. "They're always watching."
Sirius snorted. "Well, good. Let them watch me change the furniture around." His mischievous smile matched his signature humor, evident in the cocky lift of his brow. "I'm going to find a portrait of one of our illustrious ancestors and make it wear a funny hat."
Dorea glared at him, her voice stern but with a glint of humor that barely reached her eyes. "Sirius, I swear, if you ruin another portrait—"
"Oh, come on," Sirius said, unfazed, his voice as smooth and sarcastic as ever. "It's for tradition." He paused, considering, before adding with a wink, "Not every family gets to be this fun."
Jean-Claude—who had been holding back a laugh—added, "Zat's why I like zis family. It is... unpredictable."
Amelia Bones, standing by the fire with a glass of wine, raised an eyebrow at the banter. "I see the Black family still enjoys a certain... brand of chaos." Her tone was dry, yet warm, the slight curl of her lips betraying her amusement.
"Wouldn't have it any other way," Arcturus said with an exaggerated bow, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Besides, chaos is the only thing that keeps us all sane."
With the adults' banter continuing in the background, the children were already finding their own mischief. As they raced up the grand staircase, Fleur called out, "Race you to the top!"
Tonks, grinning with all the energy of a six-year-old, shouted back, "You're on, Fleur!" And with that, the race was on.
As the evening wore on, the family gathered in the great hall. A fire blazed in the hearth, casting dancing shadows across the room as Jean-Claude raised his glass. "To l'amitié and family," he declared with a wink. "And to savoir-faire—because we all know, zis family is full of it."
"To friendship," Dorea echoed softly, her gaze sweeping over her gathered family, "and to all of us."
The group clinked their glasses, their shared laughter and joy filling the room, a testament to the strength of their unity, even as their mischief brewed for what was to come.
—
The sprawling grounds of the Black Family Estate offered an endless playground for the children, who, after being cooped up in the carriage for hours, were eager to stretch their legs and explore. The evening air was crisp, a soft breeze carrying the scent of blooming flowers and the distant murmur of water from a nearby stream.
"Let's play hide and seek!" Tonks shouted, bouncing on the balls of her feet. Her Metamorphmagus nature made her always a little too excited about a game that might involve dramatic transformations.
"Alright, I'll count first!" Harry declared with enthusiasm, his emerald eyes sparkling in the late afternoon sunlight. "You lot better hide well!"
As Harry spun around, pressing his face into the rough bark of an ancient oak tree, the others dashed off in all directions, their excited laughter echoing through the estate.
Neville, his ever-present shyness momentarily forgotten, bolted towards a thicket of bushes. He slid behind a thick hedge, trying to make himself as small as possible, but his large, awkward frame gave him away. His muffled giggles escaped, betraying his hiding spot.
"Found you, Neville!" Harry called out, his voice ringing with playful triumph. Neville groaned, his face turning pink.
Susan, quick to react, ducked behind a stone statue of a majestic hippogriff, her fiery red hair barely concealed. Harry stalked through the garden, trying to stifle his own laughter. It was when Susan's hair swished into view that he caught her.
"Not so fast, Bones!" he grinned, tapping her lightly on the shoulder. "Gotcha!"
Fleur and Gabrielle, both quick on their feet, hid behind a blooming rose bush. Fleur, the older of the two at nine years old, whispered something in Gabrielle's ear, causing both to stifle their giggles. Their attempt at silence was admirable, but Harry's sharp ears caught the faintest sound of their whispers, and with a grin, he darted toward them.
"You can't hide your giggles, Fleur!" Harry laughed, reaching behind the bush and pulling both girls out from their hiding spot.
Tonks, meanwhile, had turned her hair a deep shade of green, blending seamlessly into the foliage. Her Metamorphmagus talents made her nearly impossible to spot. Harry's brow furrowed in mock frustration as he walked slowly, scanning the area. The sound of a twig snapping underfoot made his eyes snap to her, and with a laugh, he dove toward her, hands outstretched.
"Ha! Gotcha, Nymphadora!" he cheered.
"Oi, no fair! That twig was not in the script!" Tonks huffed, pulling a face as Harry pretended to shrug dramatically.
With all the kids found, they turned to exploring further into the gardens. A small pond lay before them, its surface shimmering in the last light of day. The gentle sound of water lapping against the stones was soothing, and the children gathered around, pebbles in hand, eager to try their hand at skipping them across the water.
"I bet I can get this one to skip five times," Fleur said with a sly smile, her eyes gleaming. With a flick of her wrist, the stone sailed across the pond, skipping four times before it sank beneath the surface.
"Nice one, Fleur," Harry said, his voice tinged with awe. "But I can do six." With a confident grin, he skipped his stone across the pond, watching it bounce an impressive six times.
"Oh, so you think you're the stone-skipping king now, do you, Harry?" Tonks teased. She picked up a stone and, with an exaggerated effort, flicked it across the water. It skipped only once before sinking dramatically.
"Poor show, Tonks," Sirius said from a nearby bench, watching the children with a smirk. "At least you've got the dramatic flair down."
"Oh hush, Sirius," Dorea snapped from the doorway. Her voice, smooth and commanding like the deepest velvet, was a blend of sharpness and amusement. "They're children, let them have their fun."
Sirius raised an eyebrow, the hint of a smirk playing on his lips. "Just trying to give Tonks a little constructive criticism, mum."
"Constructive?" Arcturus added with a wicked grin, stepping up beside Sirius. The patriarch of the Black family—tall, imposing, with eyes that glinted with a thousand years of mischief—looked down at his son. "If that was constructive, I'd hate to see you destroy something."
"Why? I'm very good at it," Sirius retorted with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
Charlus, standing just behind them, chimed in with a voice that could freeze the air. His tone was rich and formal, like a finely aged wine—sharp, cutting, and potent. "Perhaps, Sirius, you should start a club. 'How To Ruin Everything 101.' Arcturus, you can be the first member."
Arcturus chuckled darkly, lifting his glass. "I might just take you up on that."
Sirius turned to Charlus, narrowing his eyes. "And what would you know about ruining things, Father?"
"Quite a lot," Charlus said, his lips curling into a slow, calculating smile. "I raised you, didn't I?"
The adults shared an amused look, their laughter mingling with the carefree shouts of the children. Sirius gave his father a playful shove, earning a swift, disapproving glance from Dorea, who merely shook her head and sighed.
"Keep it up, Sirius," Dorea said, her voice softer but no less authoritative. "One day, you'll be the one paying the price for all your 'adventures.'"
"Well, if I'm lucky, you'll be there to bail me out," Sirius teased, flashing her a grin.
"Not unless you finally learn to keep your mouth shut." Dorea raised an eyebrow, her voice carrying the weight of authority.
"Like that's ever gonna happen," Arcturus added dryly, taking another sip from his glass.
While the banter continued, the children, oblivious to the adults' repartee, were deep in their own world of games. They continued skipping stones and running through the gardens, their laughter ringing through the twilight.
Neville leaned towards Susan, speaking in a quiet, earnest voice. "I'm really glad we're all here together. It's... nice, isn't it?"
Susan smiled, her cheeks flushed with happiness. "Yeah, it is. I think this is going to be fun."
And, as the night wore on, the sense of unity—both among the children and the adults—grew even stronger. The Black Family Estate, with its timeless elegance and history, had become the backdrop for something more important: the forging of new alliances and friendships, ones that would stand the test of time.
—
The next morning greeted them with a sun-dappled sky and a gentle breeze, perfect for the adventure Fleur had been eagerly planning. The children could hardly contain their excitement as they gathered around for breakfast, already buzzing with anticipation.
"Zere is a lake on ze property," Fleur declared, her French accent sweet and thick as ever. "We should go! It is perfect for swimming, yes?"
"Sounds like a plan," Harry said, his eyes lighting up at the thought of exploring a new part of the estate. "Let's go, go, go!"
As the children scrambled to finish their breakfast, Dorea and Melania exchanged a sly look, one that didn't escape the notice of Charlus, who raised an eyebrow in their direction.
"Sirius, Amelia," Dorea said with a knowing smile, "Why don't you accompany the children to the lake? They could use some supervision, and it's such a lovely day for a walk."
Charlus, ever the cynic, threw a glance at Sirius, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Ah, yes, because I'm sure Amelia would just love to watch children play by a lake." He arched a brow at Sirius. "I imagine it's exactly how she envisioned spending her day off."
Sirius, leaning back in his chair, let out a hearty chuckle, his sharp grin spreading across his face. "Well, considering she is one of the most capable people in the Ministry, I doubt she'd mind a bit of actual fun."
Amelia, who had been quietly sipping her tea, gave Charlus a pointed look. "I have a fondness for nature, you know, Charlus. Not everything is about chasing down criminals or sorting paperwork."
"Of course not," Charlus replied dryly, leaning in with a smile that could've sliced through stone. "And here I thought you spent all your time making criminals."
Sirius snorted, leaning in toward Amelia. "And I thought you were supposed to be the charming one. I seem to be mistaken."
Amelia raised an eyebrow, giving him a wry smile. "We can all have our fun, Sirius. After all, you're never short of banter."
"True," Sirius said, pushing back from the table, "and you know I'm all about fun." He flashed Amelia a grin, turning to Dorea. "Fine, we'll keep an eye on them. For the sake of fun, of course."
Soon, the children were all geared up in their swimwear and ready for action, each carrying towels and some snacks for the day ahead. With Sirius and Amelia in tow, the group set out for the lake, the path winding through a lush, wild landscape that seemed to come alive as the children explored it.
"So," Sirius said, hands in his pockets as he strolled beside Amelia, "How do you feel about actual fun, Amelia? This whole thing was your idea, after all."
Amelia gave a playful shrug. "Well, it's a nice break. Besides, I'm always up for a little adventure. You know, when it doesn't involve paperwork."
"Ah, yes," Sirius chuckled, "We mustn't disturb your love affair with the written word."
Meanwhile, the children had already begun chatting animatedly as they walked, pointing out interesting birds or peering at a large, curious rabbit in the underbrush. Fleur, ever the ringleader, was keeping them in line, though her mind was already on the lake.
When they reached the water's edge, it was even more beautiful than they'd expected. The water sparkled in the sunlight, a perfect mirror to the bright blue sky above. The children wasted no time and dashed into the water, laughing as they splashed each other. Fleur led the charge, her blonde hair flashing as she dived gracefully into the lake, followed closely by Tonks, who, with her Metamorphmagus abilities, shifted her appearance to resemble a water nymph for dramatic effect.
"You know," Amelia said, settling down on a towel, "This could be the most peaceful day I've had in ages."
"Don't get used to it," Sirius said with a wink. "Soon, you'll be back at the Ministry chasing down dangerous dark wizards again."
"Until then, I'm enjoying the respite," Amelia replied, pulling out a sandwich.
The children were a whirl of motion in the lake. Harry and Neville were splashing each other, their laughter a joyful chorus as they floated on their backs, staring up at the sky. Tonks, in the middle of her latest transformation, had turned her hair into a brilliant shade of green that matched the trees surrounding them. Gabrielle, trying to be as graceful as Fleur, was attempting to make ripples in the water with her hands, while Susan and Neville were in a heated debate over who could skip rocks better.
"Mon dieu, Gabrielle!" Fleur exclaimed, watching her sister struggle. "Zat's not how you do it!"
Gabrielle pouted, her blue eyes wide. "I'm trying, Fleur!"
"Allow me," Fleur said with a grin. With a flick of her wrist, she sent a rock skimming effortlessly across the water. "Like zat."
The children erupted in applause, and Gabrielle grinned, sticking out her tongue at Fleur. "I'll get it next time!"
As the children continued their games, Sirius and Amelia sat back, enjoying the sounds of the carefree, sunny afternoon. Sirius threw a sidelong glance at Amelia. "You know, I'm surprised you didn't try to stop the kids from diving in. I thought you'd be the responsible one."
Amelia shrugged with a small smile. "What can I say? The water's too inviting."
Sirius grinned. "Well, I won't tell anyone if you decide to join them. We could all use a bit more fun in our lives."
Amelia gave him an amused look. "Maybe later, Black."
As the day wore on, they took a break to enjoy the snacks Dorea had insisted they bring—sandwiches, fruit, and juices that seemed to disappear as fast as they appeared. The children, now dripping wet but beaming with joy, gathered around, taking in the food with voracious appetites.
"You're all like wild animals," Sirius teased, tossing a grape in his mouth. "But I suppose it's good to see children being children. Isn't that right, Amelia?"
"Absolutely," she said, smiling at him. "It's a good reminder of what matters, Black."
Dorea, in the distance, was watching with a satisfied expression on her face. She caught Charlus' eye, and without a word, they both knew exactly what was happening—Sirius and Amelia, while still as volatile as ever, were finding common ground.
"How's it looking, old man?" Charlus asked, his voice smooth as silk as he joined Dorea.
"Better than expected," she replied with a sly grin. "But don't tell them I'm a matchmaker."
Charlus raised a brow. "Perish the thought. I'm sure they'd rather believe they got together entirely on their own."
As the day drew to a close, and the sun began to sink beneath the horizon, the children, exhausted but happy, reluctantly made their way back to the estate. New friendships had been forged in the water, and the bonds between the adults had deepened in the shared joy of the day. For now, at least, they could forget about the darker aspects of their lives, enjoying the peaceful moments that only family and laughter could provide.
And, as for Sirius and Amelia, well… it looked like Dorea's matchmaking was working better than anyone had expected.
---
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