Master

"I will fetch your maid and have a carriage return you to the capital." Sensing her vulnerability, he held her closer, offering a reassuring grasp.

"I'd prefer Madison not be involved in this matter." Gwyneth said in a quiet tone.

"Sunshine, there is no reason to worry about that." Sirius smiled.

They vanished from the chamber, reappearing behind the manor, where a mournful carriage, drawn by four horses, stood ready. Releasing Gwyneth, he observed as she turned to confront the carriage.

She gazed at the carriage, wondering if he had planned this all along, and then her eyes narrowed as she turned to him, suspecting that he had intended to take her to the capital from the very beginning.

"I would like to have a weapon." She requested unexpectedly, her expression grave.

Sirius laughed, completely taken aback. "What kind of weapon?"

"A pistol." Gwyneth reached out her arm to him.