In the room, Sirius poured a cup of tea each for himself and Kingsley Shacklebolt.
"When Dumbledore came before, I already told him. I have more important things to do. Sorry, but I won't be returning to the Order of the Phoenix. Finish this tea, then leave."
Kingsley did not touch the tea in front of him. "More important things? You mean planting potatoes?"
Sirius raised an eyebrow. "Call it whatever you like, Kingsley. I have a child to look after, remember? I won't be taking risks anymore."
"Merlin's beard, I can't believe those words came from you." Kingsley looked astonished. "I never thought Sirius would have a day when he was afraid of death."
"Afraid of death?" Sirius's eyes widened, and he nearly lost his temper. But he soon let out a breath. "Fine, it's a provocation. I won't fall for it. Yes, I am a little afraid of death now, Kingsley."
"I never cared about life before, nor did I think it was precious, because I had nothing tying me down."
"Back then, I could carry out the hardest missions without fear and fight the most dangerous wizards, because death, to me, was nothing more than leaving this terrible world and finally finding peace."
"But things are different now. There's a child who needs me. He's already lost too much. I can hardly imagine him losing me as well. That would break my heart."
Kingsley fell silent for a moment. "You really have changed, Sirius."
"Okay, okay. Go ahead and call me a coward."
Kingsley shook his head. "I won't say that. Back then, you and James were brave in the Order of the Phoenix to the point of arrogance, but that was only the ignorance of youth. Later, James found someone important and took on responsibility, so