Amelia, who had just been speaking so righteously about Amosta, visibly blushed when Sirius was mentioned.
She stepped out of Amosta's arms, wringing her hands and avoiding his gaze.
"What... what do you think about this?"
To be honest, Amosta did feel somewhat strange about it.
Sirius was undoubtedly his loyal friend, while Amelia—
Frankly speaking, in terms of blood relation, Amelia was his elder. But emotionally, he preferred to think of Amelia as his younger sister.
"The key is how you feel about it, Amelia—"
Amosta shook his head.
"How do you see Sirius?"
"He's a very brave wizard—"
Amosta's question left Amelia silent for a long while. At last, biting her lip with a touch of maidenly shyness, she said,
"To make up for his mistake, he was willing to stay in Azkaban for thirteen years. Mrs. Weasley says he can be a little stubborn, but not every wizard has that kind of courage."
Amelia's voice was barely louder than a mosquito's buzz.
"I think it shows a sense of responsibility."
"I'm more inclined to agree with Mrs. Weasley—"
Amosta said with a laugh, cutting in before Amelia could defend Sirius.
"Still, you're right, Amelia. He is brave and responsible, a wizard worth entrusting your life to.
Of course, he can be impulsive at times, so you'll need to rein him in when necessary."
"So—"
Amosta's assessment surprised Amelia. Her clear brown eyes widened as she looked at him.
"You don't object?"
"You make it sound as if I'm some old fossil, Amelia—"
Amosta frowned in mock displeasure, then smiled and patted Amelia on the shoulder.
"You're a wise witch, Amelia. You know your choice is the right one, and all I can do is wish you both happiness—"
Amelia left, thoroughly satisfied.
She and Sirius had discussed