Oh, was Phineas being stern now? He hadn't expected this — well really Sirius had not expected a paternal conversation at all, but such was a thing that could happen here — but he sounded like when Aunt Ella was stern, so. Also — well, his father was right.

"Yes, I suppose this is not exactly a good use of my time," Sirius said, in a tone that approximated solemn.

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