Chapter Four, Dahlia's Birthday

Stumbling while supporting Dahlia, they made their way from the gates up the long drive to the safety of their home. Thanks to a jam filled morning Dahlia was feeling worse than before and could barely stand up let alone walk, thanks to those blasted Dementors. Sirius, feeling worse for wear himself, realised as they reached the fountain in the middle of the drive that he hadn't picked up the rest of Dahlia's presents, but shrugged it off for the moment as his daughter's health and well-being were more important.

Inside the manor Remus and Jasper tensed further than they had been all morning sensing the emotions of their mates as they arrived on the estate. Through their mate bond with Sirius and Dahlia, respectfully, they had been feeling what they had been going through and it drove them on edge as they paced the length of the family room, the rest of their family watching worriedly. At first, they hadn't thought too much about it as they knew Dahlia was getting checked over by the Goblins and Sirius was very overprotective (not that he could be blamed), but when the feelings hadn't lessened and only intensified, they had been about to leave for Diagon Alley when the wards alerted Remus that the duo had returned.

Not waiting for Sirius and Dahlia to enter the manor, Remus and Jasper sped out of the manor meeting their loved ones at the door, vaguely aware of the others following them.
"What happened?" Remus asked his mate and Cub fretfully.
"Dementors." Sirius informed them to their shock and horror, sighing in relief as Jasper scooped Dahlia up into his arms so it brought him a bit of relief. He was too concerned to even tease his daughter at her squeak as Jasper scooped her into his arms.
"WHAT!!?" Remus screeched fearfully, his tone full of worry.
"Perhaps we should speak inside Remus." Sirius suggested, stumbling slightly up the steps but Remus grabbed his arm.
"Of course. Carlisle could you make two hot chocolates please, and Esme could you fetch two dark chocolate Chocolate Frogs." Remus asked.

Instead of answering the two vampires flitted inside to do as asked while the others followed Remus and Jasper back into the manor worriedly as the former aided the Lord and Heiress. Arriving at the kitchen, Sirius and Dahlia all but dive on the hot chocolate and chocolate frogs. Once half of their drink and all of the chocolate had disappeared Sirius and Dahlia sat back with a sigh; the effects from the Dementors had all but disappeared, however, it showed off the bruised handprint on Dahlia's neck.
"Who did that?!" Rosalie and Zoe hissed angrily, being the first to notice the bruise as they were sat opposite the daughter-father duo.
"Did what?" Remus and Jasper asked startled, Remus leaning over Sirius while Jasper sat forwards, the pair of them noticing the darkening bruise.

"After Gringotts I took Lia for an ice-cream after the ordeal she went through in the bank, before we went to get her a new wand, when it suddenly became bitterly cold." Sirius started to explain, pulling Dahlia to him holding her close while holding Remus's hand with his free one.
"As we reached for our wands a Dementor suddenly pinned me to the glass of the parlour, while the second went for Dad." Dahlia took over explaining, clasping Jasper's hand within her own giving it a comforting squeeze as she noticed the tick in his jaw from his clenched teeth. "I'm okay." Dahlia whispered, squeezing his hand again trying to comfort him but only receiving a tense smile in return. "Everyone started fleeing the Alley. Not bothering to help except for Florean who went to call the Aurors. I jabbed it in the head causing it to release me, clasped Dad's hand and we both cast our Patronus." She finished explaining.

"What were they even doing there?" Emmett asked, confused, his jaw clenched in anger. Nobody hurt his little sister and got away with it.
"I dread to think." Carlisle muttered. "I'll have Dobby take a letter to Carmen and Andy with what's happened so it can be looked into."
"Thank you Carlisle." Sirius sighed gratefully, before he groaned in annoyance throwing his hands up in the air. "We didn't get your wand, pup, I'm sorry and I still need to collect that parcel." Sirius added, standing from his chair only to be pushed back into it by Alice.
"Sit! You and Lia need to rest after what's happened today. Zoe and I can collect what's needed, the wand will have to wait. Everything is set up for tomorrow." Alice added in a whisper to Sirius so Dahlia couldn't hear.

"Sirius!" Remus warned, noticing his husband's reluctance.
"Thank you Alice." Sirius sighed.
"You're welcome." Alice cheered, hugging both him and Dahlia from behind. They were so glad they had returned safely and relatively unharmed, as she was pulling away from Dahlia so Jasper could put the Bruise Salve on her throat that Tarak had procured for him when a important-looking, dusty brown Eagle owl flew through the open window with an important looking letter clutched within its beak with the Ministry's seal on the back. Swooping over the table the owl dropped the letter onto the middle of said table, turning and swooping back out of the window.
"What the hell do they want?" Sirius groused, reaching for the wretched thing.

He still held a grudge against the entirety of the Ministry for his unjust imprisonment; not that anyone could blame him. As Sirius's fingers brushed the thick parchment the letter seemed to come to life as it floated into the air, a sort of face appearing in the seal of the envelope as it started to speak, a woman's lilted voice came from the letter.

"'Dear Miss Potter,

At three twenty-three this afternoon you performed the Patronus Charm in Diagon Alley. Which is against the Law, despite being cast in a Wizarding district, is still against the law, as you know due to being underage. Pending a formal hearing before the Wizengamot on August 5th 1995, you will be expelled from Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Hoping you are well.

Mafalda Hopkirk
Improper Use of Magic Office
British Ministry of Magic.'"

When the witch, Mafalda, finished speaking the charm removed itself from the letter and it fell back onto the table where it lay stationary while chaos descended upon the kitchen. Everyone, minus Dahlia who sat silent in a stunned shock, shouted over each other trying to make their displeasure known over everyone else. Feeling Dahlia's raging magic that was about to be unleashed at any second, was why calmed Sirius down slightly - thanks also to Jasper's gift - Sirius pulled Dahlia into his arms, holding her close, while running his hand through her hair to calm her down. Slowly but surely the tightness in the air and the wind calmed down as Dahlia let out a shaky breath.
"Don't worry about it, sweetheart. I'll Floo call Andy and get this sorted." Sirius assured pressing a kiss to her forehead.

"Okay." Dahlia sighed shakily, her anger still simmering below the surface.
"Darlin, how 'bout we go for a picnic date in the gardens?" Jasper suggested, taking her hand once more and pressing a sweet kiss to her knuckles causing a rosy tint to cover her tanned cheeks.
"I'd love that Jazz." Dahlia beamed giddily.
"Rose, Emmett can you chaperone please?" Remus asked. "While we get this sorted out?"
"Of course." Emmett cackled mischievously, only for Rose to slap the back of his head warningly. "Ow Rosie! You wound me!" Emmett pouted, causing Dahlia to giggle while Zoe and Jasper rolled their eyes at them. Alice was silently planning Dahlia's outfit for her birthday party tomorrow and her outfit for her trial (just in case) but shook her head good naturedly.

"I'm sure." Rose muttered dryly, sarcasm coating her tone but you could see the fond and loving smile in her eyes and upon her lips which she was trying to hide. "Of course we will, Remus, Sirius. Just help my sister." Rose begged seriously. Sirius and Remus nodded, kissing Dahlia's head before leaving for the study with Carlisle and Esme following behind. Leaving Zoe and Alice to finish preparations for tomorrow while Jasper took Dahlia on a date with Rose and Emmett as chaperons; Jasper wasn't sure that was the greatest idea to have Emmett as a chaperone, dreading the pranks he'd be subjected to. Brushing off those thoughts Jasper held out his hand to Dahlia, beaming as she slipped her hand into his, after she finished her hot chocolate as Dobby appeared with a wicker basket in his hands.

"For Mistress Lia." He held out the basket to Jasper who took it in his free hand, his other still intertwined with Dahlia. "Mistress missed lunch and must eat to take her potions and be healthy." Dobby scolded, hands on his hips and a fierce scowl on his face.
"Thank you Dobby, Don't worry I'll make sure Lia eats." Jasper assured him.
"Good. There is also flasks of blood and Blood Pops for Master Jazzy, Miss Rosie and Mister Teddy-bear." Dobby informed them, using his own personal nicknames that he'd made for his Mistress's friends causing Emmett to let out a booming laugh.
"I knew I liked you." Emmett boomed, a blush appearing on Dobby's cheeks as he bowed to Dahlia before returning to his duties. He wanted his Mistress to have the most special birthday after that nasty letter.

"Shall we ma'am?" Jasper flirted, a crooked smile on his lips that made Dahlia want to swoon.
"We shall Sir." Dahlia flirted. "And shut up." She added, noticing his smirk grow wider when he felt her emotions regarding his smile and accent.
"Of course darlin'." Jasper laughed, pressing a kiss to her cheek; leading her towards the rose gardens, chattering a way with her while a happy Rosie and Emmett followed behind; glad their brother and sister were finally happy.

***

The day of Dahlia's birthday dawned bright and early as two crazy planners darted around the manor making sure everything was ready; causing the others, including the vampires, to feel rather sick just watching them.
"Alice! Sirius! Calm down, everything is ready and perfect." Esme scolded the two. "The rest of Lia's birthday presents were picked up yesterday, the manor is decorated, the food prepared, presents wrapped and Lia's friends will be arriving in two hours. All that's left to do is for Lia to get up, ready and have breakfast so she can take her potions."
"You're right Esme. I apologise." Sirius sighed, stowing away his wand while taking a calming breath. It was the first birthday he and Remus were getting to spend with their daughter so Sirius was a little wired. Okay, more than a little.

"I'll go -" Alice started but was interrupted by Jasper.
"No offence Alley, but you're a little too wired at the moment to help Lia without rushing her." Jasper fretted worriedly, instead of taking offence Alice nodded conceding his point but that didn't stop her slumping onto the sofa pouting.
"I'll get her ready." Rose told her sister, feeling more calm than the former two but she had to admit she still wanted her new sister's birthday to go perfectly, after all she deserved nothing less.
"Okay but make sure she wears the outfit I picked out." Alice ordered, becoming excited again. Instead of answering Rosalie just shook her head as she left the living room to Dahlia's bedroom where she was awake and trying to get out of bed by herself while Dobby ran her a bath.

"Good morning birthday girl!" Rosalie announced entering the bedroom, her grin becoming wider when Dahlia beamed back at her with such happiness that it made Rosalie's non-beating heart break. Today was not the day to reprimand Lia about not asking for help.
"Morning Rosie." Dahlia trilled giddily.
"Let's get you in that relaxing bath that Dobby's drawn for you, dressed and ready before your friends arrive for your party." Rosalie instructed. Dahlia froze. Her eyes wide as saucers and her breathing became laboured.

"I - I have a p-party?" Dahlia stammered, shock and nerve damage playing equal parts in her stutter.
"Of course you do." Rosalie insisted, sitting on the bed beside her little sister. "You deserve the whole world and I'll be damned if you don't get all you deserve." Her tone was serious as she placed a hand over Dahlia's and used the other to gently lift the younger girl's head. "You didn't deserve anything that's happened to you, Lia. No one and nothing will ever hurt you again, I promise."
"You can't promise that. No one can." Dahlia sighed sadly, tears coating her voice, her emerald-silver eyes shining brightly with tears she refused to let fall.

"I can." Rosalie insisted firmly. "I can because you're my sister." Dahlia looked up at her in shock. "Not because you're Jasper's soulmate but because I love you for you. We all do. I've always wanted a little sister, Alice and Zoe are more around my age or older. You're my sister and no one hurts my sister and if they try they'll die. I'll kill them myself."
"I've always wanted a sister." Dahlia whispered.
"Well now you have three, an older brother in my idiotic but mischievous mate, a mother and father-in-law in Carlisle and Esme, two very overprotective fathers in Remus and Sirius, and a very overprotective soulmate in Jasper." Rosalie confirmed, pulling Dahlia into her arms for a hug while kissing her blood red hair.

The pair sat there for a few minutes just soaking up each other's love for the other, but eventually Rosalie pulled back but not without another kiss to Dahlia's head.
"Now, we don't want an overworked, party planner Godzilla on our tail." She joked, though they both knew she was only half joking as Dahlia smirked back at her.
"Alice or Dad?" Dahlia giggled.
"Both." Rosalie laughed. "Come on." Pulling Dahlia up they made the slow journey to the bathroom where she helped her sister into the tub smiling at the content sigh Dahlia let out as the hot water hit her sore muscles. Pulling a stool up behind Dahlia's head, Rosalie took a seat massaging rose shampoo, rose conditioner, a rose conditioning mask and eventually rose hair serum into Dahlia's hair.

***

Smiling satisfied, Rosalie helped Dahlia from her seat as she took in the sight of her sister. As always Alice had outdone herself in regards to the outfit. A white off-the-shoulder top showed off her tanned freckled shoulders, and it was paired with blue denim shorts, and black ankle boots. To finish off the outfit, Rosalie had added Hunter green nails, natural makeup which made the red lipstick pop and her hair in a half-up style. Finally, to finish off the outfit Dahlia had added her tear-drop emerald earrings which Jasper had gifted to her as her latest Courting Gift, a beaded bracelet from Luna from last Christmas, her Black Heiress ring, and the Potter and Peverell Ladyship rings.

The Potter Ladyship ring was a rose-gold twisted band encrusted with tiny diamonds and in the centre was an oval-shaped Aquamarine Fire Opal. The Peverell ring was of a similar metal of rose-gold but unlike the Potter ring, it was a single band entrusted with tint obsidians and in the middle was a dark Sapphire, that was almost black in certain lights. Whereas, the Black Heiress was a platinum double band encrusted with tiny diamonds, in the middle sat a large tear-drop Obsidian with two crescent moons filled with diamonds sat on either side.

"There we go. You look beautiful." Rosalie complimented, winking at her causing Dahlia to laugh.
"Thank you Rosie." Dahlia beamed.
"You're welcome little sister." Rosalie beamed as the pair headed downstairs only to be surprised by sudden shouts as soon as they arrived at the family room doorway.
"SURPRISE!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIA!!!"
Seems like they were upstairs for longer than they thought, Rosalie was surprised Alice didn't come up stairs to hurry them along, when Emmett mouthed 'Dobby' and realised he had informed them of their conversation.
"Thank you." Dahlia blushed, accepting the hugs from her Dads, Jasper, the Cullens, and her friends; Neville, Ron, Luna and Kellah. As Dahlia looked around at her loved ones she knew things were going to look up from now on as long as she had these people beside her.