I quietly return to the room making sure not to make too much sound. I smile as I see Aria is still sleeping soundly. I was only gone for around an hour but I was still a bit concerned.

I lay on my bed not even covering myself as I rest my eyes. I must be mentally exhausted because I feel myself falling asleep.

When I open my eyes again I see Aria kneeling on my bed looking down at me. She has a relieved look on her face as Sin crawls from her grip wrapping himself around my neck.

I slowly sit up and rub her head with a smile "I see, I overslept huh?" I ask looking out the window, the sun is already up so it must be around eight PM.

With a yawn, I stand up stretching my body, from the corner of my eye I can see Aria mimicking me. I smile as I hold out a hand to her.

"Do you want to go see the others? Hermione should be awake." Aria appears happy hearing me bring up. She nods as she grabs my hand with both of hers and pulls me towards the door.

I smile as I let her guide me out of the room. When she opens the door we are greeted by a blushing Hermione.

I smirk knowing she got embarrassed that I brought her up "Good Morning."

Hermione nods "Good morning, Soren, Aria."

Aria wraps her arms around Hermione's waist, "Good morning," She says in her usual quiet voice.

Hermione's blush disappears as she hugs the child back, "Hagrid said that Dumbledore needs to see you." Aria's ears perk up hearing Dumbledore's name.

I sigh as I hear Hermione's words, "Is Dumbledore here?"

She nods, "He is waiting for you in the main room, last I saw he was talking to Arianna's portrait."

I nod, "Thanks for telling me." I hold out my hand to Aria once again "Do you want to go meet your new guardian?"

I see an expectant look in her eyes but she appears hesitant but she still takes my hand. I give another thanks to Hermione before walking to the main room with Aria in tow.

Walking In I see Dumbledore sitting on the Chesterfield and the Auror I saved on the couch. They both stand up upon us entering, the Auror looks happy while Dumbledore is more solemn.

"Greetings Headmaster," I nod my head towards them in greetings.

Dumbledore lowers his head a bit as well "Soren, this is Abraham Williamson. You saved his life last night, he wanted to come along to thank you."

As Dumbledore finishes speaking the Auror is already in front of me with an extended hand. Not benign rude I shake it noticing his hair is put up in a ponytail today.

"Thank you, Soren. Thanks to you I am able to go home and see my wife and son tonight. I have nothing worthy enough to thank you with, but if you ever need my aid just tell me." He speaks seriously as he meets my eyes.

I just hold up a hand "I didn't save you for some type of reward, I'm glad you are okay."

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

He smirks as he nods, "I'm glad to see you are a kind person." He looks back at Dumbledore "That is all I had to say, thank you for letting me come along."

Dumbledore calmly waves off his words "I trust this secret is safe with you. Give Martha and Clark my best wishes."

Abraham does a courtesy bow to both of us "I will, thank you, Cheif Warlock." With those words, he leaves the room giving the hiding Aria a smile as he does.

Once he leaves I grab Aria's hand and move out of the way so she and Dumbledore meet eyes "I thought you may want to meet your new daughter."

Dumbledore's serious face immediately softens as he gives Aria a light smile. "You must be Aria."

Seeing she isn't responding I put my hand on her back to comfort her. Her eyes look up at me before she takes a step forward.

"It's nice to meet you, my name is Aria." She says without meeting his eyes.

I pretend to be greatly offended as I hold my chest dramatically "You weren't this nice to me."

She blushes as her cheeks puff "That's- I was tired yesterday."

I give her a smile as I pat her head, "I'm just messing with you. Your greeting was good." I look up at Dumbledore "Right."

He looks between us with his soft smile "Yes, it was quite impressive."

Her pale skin turns even redder at our compliments, "Shall we sit down?" I say looking between the two.

Aria nods her small head while Dumbledore gestures to the loveseat and couch, "Of course."

Aria sits next to me on the loveseat across from Dumbledore, "His beard really is super long." I hear Aria whisper to me causing me to laugh.

Dumbledore raises his brow at me "I do hope you haven't taught her anything bad."

I just smile as I look up at him "Of course not, it's just an inside joke."

Dumbledore gives me an unbelieving look "Aria, you will soon be living with me, is there anything you would like to ask me?"

Aria appears nervous as she has her hands between her knees, "Umm, where will we be living?"

"Have you seen the castle in the distance while outside?" He asks leaning forward a bit.

She looks in awe, "There?"

He softly nods, "Yes, it is a school actually, I am the headmaster there. I must be there all year round so I cannot go to my house often. I have created a room for you next to mine."

Aria puts her head back down, "I heard that school is scary." Her words cause both Dumbledore and I to laugh a bit.

Dumbledore shakes his head, "You will not be attending. I will be teaching you personally."

She smiles obviously a bit happy at this with a bit of courage she meets Dumbledores eyes "Big Brother Soren said you were SUUPPEERRRR strong. Is that true?" My heart tightens as she refers to me as big brother, she is dangerously cute.

Dumbledore's eyes flick to me then back to her, "It is true, I could be said to be very powerful," I roll my eyes at his words.

Her smile widens, "Then are you a superhero like Big Brother?"

Dumbledore looks confused as he looks at me for an explanation, "Ah, superheroes are a muggle thing. They are people with extraordinary power who dedicate themselves to saving other people."

He strokes his beard as he begins to seriously ponder, "I don't know if I would be able to take such a glorious title."

I put my hand on Aria's back as I whisper in her ear, "See? A hero must be humble."

She giggles as Dumbledore gives another observant glance as he holds up an arm. In a small burst of flames, Fawks appears on his arm. Aria's jaw drops as she looks at the phoenix with wonder.

"This is Fawks, he is my friend and partner. He is a phoenix, a very rare creature known for its healing properties. He will also be the one keeping you company to make sure you are safe. Please, get to know him well." Dumbledore's eyes meet mine and I immediately get the message.

I hold out an arm and Fawks lands on it, he chirps at me happily as he does, "It is good to see you again."

I bring Fawks closer to Aria as she stares at him with curious eyes, "Can I pet him?" She asks Dumbledore who nods.

She smiles as she raises her small hand and brushes his head softly. Fawks leans into her hand causing Aria to giggle with joy. Both Dumbledore and I smile at this scene.

"Why don't you and Fawks go play in the hallway while Soren and I speak," Dumbledore says causing me to glance over at him.

'So that was his plan.'

The oblivious child nods happily as she hops up. Fawks flies off my arm and follows her out leaving Dumbledore and me alone.

I give him a small smile "You wished to talk about last night?"

Dumbledore nods "I would like you to explain. I am working to keep it a secret so I think an explanation is reasonably warranted."

I sigh as I nod, "Where should I start?"

"The beginning."