"No. I expect you to date Remus because he's good for you. Because you're good
for him, and because you love each other. I expect you to be smart and not just accept
things at face value. You would never say a spell, cast a charm, or drink a potion without
first knowing what it was. I expect you to treat your heart—and mine and Remus's by
extension—with the same intent." He spoke very clearly, so she knew this was not about
him trying to protect her, or sacrifice his own happiness for someone else. Sirius was often
good about taking care of his friends when he put thought into it and didn't act recklessly.
"I don't want to hurt you. I don't want you to see me and Remus, and―"
"Mia, considering how I've treated you in the past, it wouldn't be anything I didn't
have coming," Sirius interrupted. The image of Marlene McKinnon entered her mind, and
she felt a twinge of unpleasant anger dig its way into her belly. "It wouldn't hurt me. Your
safety and happiness come above my own. Take that as the highest compliment, because
there are literally less than a handful of people who can claim first-hand knowledge of my
selfless moments."
"I'll.. ." She hesitated. "I'll think about it."
"Good." He gently scooted over and patted the side of his bed before picking his
quill back up. "Now come, sit down, and help me with my essay."
The anger in the room vanished almost immediately, and she rolled her eyes at how
quickly he was able to change the conversation. Had it not been in Sirius's nature to be able
to naturally break tension, she would have assumed someone was trying to put the Imperius
curse on her.
"I thought you said you were so brilliant that you could teach Transfiguration?"
He grinned deviously, which made her just a bit nervous. "I could absolutely teach
that class, but I'm pants at altering charms, and I need your help. How can I create a delayed
Permanent Sticking Charm? I want this to stick to McGonagall's desk the moment she
grades it. That way she'll have a constant reminder of how brilliant I am."
An hour later, Mia found herself in Advanced Potions sitting next to a focused Lily,
who was putting all of her attention into her cauldron as she avoided the stare from a pair
of black eyes across the room.