the_debt_of_time

"You act like I purposely walk into fights," Sirius said accusingly. "If you haven't
noticed, I've been pretty adept at not dying this year, and the only fights I get into are when
I'm being attacked."
Hermione folded her arms across her chest. "You could be a little less enthusiastic
about it."
"I have very few outlets for my energy," Sirius contended, his jaw tight. "At least
this way I'm bloody helpful."
"Are they always like this?" Neville whispered to Harry who merely rolled his eyes,
dipped his head in confirmation, and walked away from his feuding godfather and best
friend.
Hermione clearly heard the comment because she glowered at Harry, watching as
he moved into the crowd to be welcomed by old friends and acquaintances.
"I need to speak to any Ravenclaws," Harry declared.
Luna's blond hair stood out as she made her way through the crowd. They had only
seen her a day earlier at Shell Cottage and had no idea that she had planned on returning
to Hogwarts.
"Luna, is there anything in Ravenclaw Tower that might have belonged to Rowena
Ravenclaw? Might be small? Maybe have an eagle on it?" Harry asked.
Luna stared off into space. "Well, there's her lost diadem."
Sirius chuckled. "Told you."
"Told who what?" someone said from behind Sirius.
As they all turned to look, Ginny climbed through a hole in the wall, closely
followed by Fred, George, and another boy. Ginny gave Harry a radiant smile, and Sirius
grinned at the blush that washed over his godson's face.
"I knew there was something still there," Sirius commented to Hermione.
"Of course there is. He only ended things with her to keep her safe." Hermione
smiled as Ginny approached Harry and pulled him into a tight hug.
"He's like James that way." Sirius frowned. "Always tried to keep Lily safe."
"He's like you that way." Hermione beamed up at him. "You keep us safe. You've
kept me safe."
Sirius scowled, his tone low and sombre as he said, "I let you be tortured."