3 Chapter 3 - Candice

Waking up to a brand new summer day, Candice thanked the Gods for still being alive. Sunshine made her duvet cover shine, and put a smile on her face. Although, that smile didn't last long, as she heard a knock on her door.

"Y-yes?" she stuttered, unsure of her uncle's state.

"Morning love!" Sirius came in with a huge smile on his face, and popped on the bed Candice was laying on.

The girl's smile returned as she realised he wasn't drunk, and was actually very happy. She had not seen him smile like that since their time in Australia.

"Morning. E-everything ok?" she asked kindly.

"Well actually," her uncle paused, but his grin remained, "I have a surprise for you."

Candice raised an eyebrow as Sirius rummaged through his pockets. He sighed in relief when finding the letter he was looking for. Passing it to his niece eagerly, he could hardly stay seated. She took it and her hands shook as she read the addressee and looked at the wax seal. Her wide eyes snapped to her uncles, who responded with pure excitement.

"Well open it already! Before I snatch it and open it for you."

They chuckled and the girl broke the seal. A single piece of paper inside stated that her dreams were to come true:

Dear Miss Black,

We are pleased to inform you that you have a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.

Term begins on 1st September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress

Candice gasped in shock.

"B-but Sirius! I'm w-way over the admissions age!"

He nodded his head then gave her another letter she didn't notice he had in his hand. This time, the girl didn't hesitate but nearly ripped the whole envelope. Her uncle's snort went ignored as Candice scanned the next letter:

Dear Miss Black,

I must express my apologies for sending you an ordinary admissions letter. I have been made aware that you are to join us as a fifth year Hogwarts student, as to put you with people your age.

I shall ask you to ignore the list of supplies needed in my first letter, as your year needs more advanced books and equipment.

A new list has been enclosed in here.

I wish you the best for the rest of your summer, and if you have any further concerns, don't hesitate to owl me!

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress

Candice fell back into her bed.

"No way." she whispered staring up at the ceiling, attempting to comprehend everything.

"Yes way Girlie! We must go supplies shopping soon!" her uncle patted her leg and stood.

"S-sirius?" he froze in the doorway and looked back at his sitting up niece.

"Hm?"

He looked so happy, Candice didn't want to ruin his mood. But perhaps, maybe... She gathered up all her courage.

"W-will you t-teach me some t-things?"

Sirius' heartbroke at his niece's stuttering. Is she scared of me? That was when reality hit him and he realised how much of a bad guardian he has been. Without the alcohol, he saw Candice as his own daughter; someone who he wanted to protect from all harm and danger. A single tear rolled down his cheek, as he finally understood that the past is the past, and he needs to focus on the present while he can. He needs his niece in his life.

"Yeah. Of course!" he wiped away the salty drop, and tried to go back to his cheery mood, "We'll go to Diagon Alley right now, and get us both some wands and books, okay?"

Candice nodded happily, but stayed silent, as it looked like his uncle wanted to say more.

"I.. I never was very good at school, so we might as well learn everything together! Now get ready! We're leaving soon."

"Y-yes sir!" the girl jumped up and ran off to the bathroom.

After a quick shower, dressing and hair struggles, Candice finally reached the kitchen. Her jaw almost dropped as everything seemed tidy, and a huge breakfast was laid out neatly on the table.

Sirius sat on one of the chairs, with a mug of coffee and blankly stared ahead of him.

"Ah! Miss Candice! Here, here's your seat." Kreacher appeared and lead her to the chair across from her uncle.

Sirius snapped out of his trance and gave her a gentle nod to eat up. He didn't want to disturb her with his thoughts. At least until she finished.

The silence that followed was comfortable. Even Kreacher watched the two happily from his cupboard. The house-elf never liked Master Sirius mistreating Miss Candice. But by the looks of it, Master Sirius was going to change. Kreacher knew this for definite, as Master Sirius himself knocked on his cupboard door this morning, and politely asked him for a breakfast. Not to mention that as Kreacher was making the breakfast, Master Sirius was tidying the lower floor. Kreacher has never seen the Master tidy - not even in his younger years.

Candice placed her cutlery on her empty plate as she finished. During her meal, she had time to truly think about going to Hogwarts. It was her dream, yes, but could she leave her uncle on his own? Despite everything, she loves him dearly.

"Candice. I know you say its fine, but I know it's not." Sirius spoke up, and the girl instantly knew what he meant, "This is your chance to escape me, Candice. You're already a clever muggle, now go and become a talented witch."

His small speech made Candice doubt her going even more.

"B-but what a-about you?"

He sighed, and laughed.

"You're too young to think about such things as good ol' me. Go and enjoy life niece!" he got up and placed his mug with the dishes.

To Candice's surprise, her uncle asked Kreacher to clean up without sneering or a rude tone. Then he turned back to her.

"Time to go! Come love!"