"Where are Jamie and Sirius?"
Charlus sighed, clearly worried about all of his children. "Sirius didn't take the news
well, naturally. No one did. He mentioned he was going to the roof for some fresh air,
which I assume is Sirius speak for a cigarette?" Mia nodded. "I asked Lily to look in on
him. Peter took your brother outside for some actual fresh air."
"Good. Separating them, for now, is helpful. Peter will dote on James a bit, and it's
good that Sirius wasn't left alone." She was grateful her father had somehow recognised
what each of the boys needed. "Are you okay, Dad?"
"No," he answered honestly. "Don't imagine I will be for some time, but I can't fall
to pieces. Got three, now four, kids to look after. It's my job to take care of the rest of you."
Mia sighed at his words. What was it with Potter men carrying the weight of the
world on their shoulders? Green or hazel eyes, it did not matter. As long as they had a mop
of messy black hair that stuck up in the back, they were somehow deemed capable of taking
care of everyone but themselves.
"I don't need you to," she informed him. "This isn't the first time I've had to―"
"I know you don't." Charlus smiled but it did not reach his eyes. Edged in crow's
feet that made him look distinguished in age, those eyes were filled with a grief and perhaps
even a small amount of pity in knowing that this would not be the first loss Mia had ever
faced. He pulled her into his arms, hugging her so tightly she almost felt herself give in to
the grief. "You're my strong girl. But no matter how strong you are, it's still my job to take
care of you. You let me do my job, all right?"
Mia nodded but quietly thought to herself: Our job.
When Remus walked into Dorea's room, he took notice that the previously
unconscious and sickly-looking witch was now sitting up in bed, looking no less green but
certainly more awake and alert.
"Hello, Remus." She offered him a sad smile and reached her hand out. He rushed
forward to take it like it was a lifeline being extended to him in a sea in which he was
drowning. "I'm so sorry about your mother, dear. Come, sit by me. It's going to be a rough