Ok guys here is my new fic. Well I had this idea about Sirius and I had to get it out so I wrote it Hope you enjoy

A/N I don't own any of the characters, I only own the plot

Once upon a dream




A big jet black dog strode across the strange town. A child was the only one to notice the dog with curiosity


“Mum! Mum looky the doggy!” cried the young boy. He made his way towards the dog but was stopped abruptly.

“Scottie no! It’s dirty, ugly and it has flees” she said looking at the dog with disgust. She shifted her magazine to take hold of her son. The dog seemed to hear her and trotted over barking happily. The woman shrieked, dropped her magazine, picked up her son and ran off like there was no tomorrow.

The dog seemed very pleased with his accomplishment as he took the magazine in his mouth and ran towards the mountains. He climbed higher and higher until he heard a loud scratching noise. There was an enormous animal there. It was an extraordinary creature. It had the body, hind legs and tail of a horse and it had the head, front legs and wings or an eagle. Its razor sharp talons were scraping what looked like bones. Its orange eyes flashed towards the dog. They seemed to light up when he saw the big dog. Suddenly the dog began to turn into a man. The black hair began to disappear from the body and his limbs began to stretch. A tall, thin and pale man walked next to the creature.

“Sorry Buckbeak but I don’t have any food right now” Sirius Black said as he patted the head of the beast, “bet you’re starting to wish you would have eaten me as a dog eh?”

He took the magazine and began to flip through it. Underneath the words “Witch Weekly” the little was “Harry Potter’s secret heart-ache”

“That dumb witch couldn’t have been carrying the Prophet. No, she had to be reading a sappy girly magazine” Sirius said as he read the article. He let out several loud bark like laughs as he read the article. Harry and Hermione? He had always thought Ron and Hermione seemed chummier that way.

Sirius shook his head as he left the magazine on the floor. He looked over at the castle nearby. Its high towers, large windows, dark lake and everything else, brought back the memories of his heart-ache.

Sirius could see the lake from his cave. He smiled as he remembered the countless house he had spent sitting next to it with his best friends. The memory of James Potter ruffling his hair as Lily Evans walked by brought a smirk to the pale face. He could see it as if it were happening right in front of his eyes. Remus Lupin could be seen with a book in front of his face, hiding everything but the sandy blonde hair. Then there was Peter Pettigrew. Sirius growled as he remembered him. He was the reason why Sirius was living in a cave and not in his flat in London. Peter would sit around looking at Sirius and James with a look of adoration on his chubby face.

“we were so wrong about him Buckbeak. So wrong,” Sirius said growling as he sat down on a rock. He put his head in his hands and closed his eyes. He knew what he would see next. It always happened that way. He was about to see the face that had given him hope for so long but also filled him with despair.

Sparkling violet eyes shining brightly but hidden behind a pair of glasses which were slightly crooked all the time. Her shoulder length brown hair picked up messily by a pencil. Her luscious lips curved up into a smile which made 2 identical dimples appear on each cheek, making the smile look more seductive.

Suddenly it was as if he were going back in time. His mind went back to wear it all began.

“Oi Padfoot! Can you take a 5 minute break?” James Potter asked as he abruptly interrupted the intense snogging session, “I need to have a word with you”

Sirius got up shrugging as the girl glared at James.

“Ok mate only because you asked nicely. I’ll be back later Darla” Sirius said winking. The girl blushed and looked angrily.

“I’m Charlotte you pig! Darla is from Ravenclaw!” she screamed as she got up from the cool grass they had been lying on.

“Oh really? I guess I’ll have to go pay Darla a visit” Sirius said grinning, James shook his head. The girl began to cry. Her blonde hair was all over the place, partly because of the snogging and partly because of her screaming and trembling. “no hard feelings though”

“Screw you Black!” Charlotte hollered as she stormed back to the castle

“You already did honey” Sirius shouted back. Charlotte turned and made a rude hand gesture. “What a charming girl”

“So how long did she last? Four days?” James asked flopping down under the tree. Sirius nodded smiling smugly, “you’re going to run out of girls soon”

“Na, plus I’m not going to worry. We only have one more year here at Hogwarts. There are still plenty of girls! If not I’ll just repeat” Sirius said as he laid down lazily.

“So is it your goal to date and dump every girl in Hogwarts?” James asked as he ran his fingers through his messy mop of black hair. Sirius looked around knowing Lily Evans had to be close by. Sue enough she was walking along with two friends whom Sirius didn’t even notice.

“It use to be your goal too Prongsie, that was until little Miss Evans has you brainwashed” Sirius said as he looked at his friend. James’ hazel eyes shone with hope when Lily’s name was mentioned.

“Not brainwashed Padfoot, more like bewitched. I’m afraid to say that I think I might be growing up” James said snorting. Sirius smirked, “seriously Padfoot, don’t you ever think about IT… you know love?”

“Love… gah I don’t even know what that means. Love at out age Prongs is a myth like talking unicorns or flying pigs” Sirius said in a bored tone

“Well mate according to Charlotte you’re a pig and you fly so that’s no longer a myth” James joked

“Har, har… You know it’d be a waste for me to stick to one girl. I’m just way to hot for that! Imagine all the disappointed ladies”

“if that makes you happy mate” James said shrugging, “oh so mum wants to know if you’re going to come over during holidays”

“Only for a little while, I just need to finish furnishing my new flat” Sirius said grinning. It always made him feel happy that the Potters considered him as part of the family

“It’s just that we’re going on holiday to Australia and mum wants you to come with us” James said showing him a piece of parchment.

“Australia, aye? Sure, might even find myself a hot Aussie” Sirius said getting up, “now if you excuse me I have to go find this girl Darla. She’s the Ravenclaw with the huge rack right?”

“Yeah huge rack and an annoying laugh!” James said smirking, “I swear she sounds like a sheep on drugs when she laughs”

“Don’t worry I’ll keep her mouth occupied. She won’t laugh much I promise.” Sirius said laughing as he walked towards the castle. He saw James hurry off in direction of Lily Evans.

“Oi Evans!” James shouted as he ruffled his hair

+++

Hope you enjoyed.

ok guys, here is chapter two of this fic. thanks to the people who left feedback and to the ones who read and didn't thanks for reading

***



Sirius couldn’t remember when he had more fun during holidays. Sure he had gone on trips with his own family to exotic places but he’d have to put up with his mother insulting him every time she saw him.

“Sirius dear, aren’t you going to eat more?” Jane Potter asked smiling at Sirius sweetly

“Mum if he eats anymore he’ll end up burping in his date’s mouth” James said laughing between mouthfuls. People from the table next to them looked over and smiled.

“You’re one to talk James, I see you ordered something with no garlic or onions” Philip Potter said grinning. James grinned back shrugging

They had met a couple of muggle girls the second day they were in Australia, when they tried “skiing”. They thought it’d be easy seeing as muggles do it all the time. They soon realized that it wasn’t as easy as strapping two pieces of wood to their feet. Those to girls had seen them and taught them how to ski properly. They both got the hang of skiing. The girls had invited them to go to a club to dance. James hadn’t really wanted to but Sirius convinced him.

“Boys, please behave. Remember that these girls are muggles. No magic what so ever!” Jane said sternly, “that means not even to impress them Sirius”

“don’t worry Mrs. P, I’ll impress them with my natural charm and good looks” Sirius said smugly.

The girls arrived punctually to the hotel lobby. Sirius had written the girls names on his hand so he wouldn’t forget them and have problems.

“Your friend Sirius is quite the character” Gwen said to James as they sat down after dancing a bit. They glanced over at Kathy and Sirius dancing

“All the girls seem to love him” James said laughing

“I guess it’s a common trait among you two. You have a red head staring at you” Gwen said pointing to a girl behind James. James turned slowly and to his utter disbelief he saw Lily Evans rushing over to him and boy did she look angry.

“POTTER!” she screamed. Sirius heard her and laughed. He took Kathy’s hand and dragged her off the dance floor.

“hey Evans, lovely to see you!” James said brightly as he ruffled his hair.

“What the hell are you doing here? Have you taken it upon yourself to make me miserable? It’s not enough I have to see you at school, no I have to see you on holidays too!” Lily glared at him then saw Gwen. She gave her a look of disgust. Sirius came over smiling widely.

“Evans darling! I thought I heard you dulcet tone of voice! What a wonderful surprise!” Sirius said putting his arm around Lily’s shoulders. Lily threw it off angrily, “you couldn’t stand to be far away from Prongs so you followed us all the way to Australia? Well babe be careful because Gwen here wants Jamesy too”

“Bite me Black!” Lily snapped

“Fine, but I get to choose where” Sirius winked and looked at Lily’s breasts. She scowled and crossed her arms over her chest. James glared at Sirius.

“I don’t care who Potter’s with! I don’t care that he has trashy taste in women” Lily snarled. She eyed Gwen with disgust and anger. Gwen looked offended and stood up to hit Lily but James stopped her.

“Don’t Gwen” James said coldly. Gwen looked insulted and annoyed

“Come on babe, come dance with err” Sirius looked at his hand, “Kathy and me. Let’s leave these two to kill each other”

Sirius went off to dance with both girls for the rest of the evening. He vaguely saw Lily yelling at James before storming off. James followed her and that was the last he saw of them that evening. He didn’t really mind, he was rather busy. All in all it was a good night for Sirius. He ended up fooling around with both girls.

“How’d it go with Evans Prongs?” Sirius asked when he got back to his room at 3am, “What’s she doing here?”

“She and her parents are here skiing” James muttered groggily, “good news is that she didn’t hit me again. You know how hard she hits. So I assume it went well with you”

“Come on Prongs a gentleman never tells” Sirius said getting into his bed, “that’s why I’ll tell you in the morning.”

“it is morning” James said looking at his watch. Sirius didn’t hear him at all. He was asleep as soon as he hit the pillow.

ººº
Sirius was walking down a dark path. The trees around him were thick. He was all alone. He reached for his wand but he couldn’t find it. He looked up at the sky the stars were shining brightly. He was mesmerized by how many he could see. He suddenly heard a noise behind him.

“Hello? Anyone there?” Sirius called out in direction of the noise. He walked towards the noise cautiously. He walked for a few minutes until he reached a clearing. There stood a girl. Her brown hair was resting gently on her shoulders. She turned to face him. Sirius gasped when he saw her. Her eyes were violet. There was a small smiled painted on her face. For once in his life, he didn’t know what to say to a girl.

“Are you ok?” she asked in a sweet tone. Her voice was like music, music so sweet it filled his head. Sirius stood there staring at this girl. He saw the colour start creeping up on her face because of Sirius stare, she smiled wider, “do you know how to speak?”

“Y-Yes I just didn’t expect anyone to be here” Sirius said in a small voice. What the hell is wrong with me? Sirius kept thinking that over and over.

“Me either. I come into this forest to be alone, to sort my thoughts out. The silence really helps. It’s so peaceful here” the girl replied with a smile. She looked him over and smiled as she took a step towards him, “Would you like to walk with me?”

Sirius nodded happily and took her hand. As soon as his skin made connection with hers he felt a shock of electricity run through his body. Her hand was soft and warm. For a second he longed to take her in his arms and just hug her.

They walked along the forest in silence for the most part. Every so often they’d look at each other just to make sure the other was still there. Sirius had never felt this at ease with a girl; it was almost as if he’d known her all his life.

“What’s your name?” Sirius asked her as they sat on a large rock together. There was a small brook next to the rock. She sat there dipping her foot into the coolness of the brook.

“My name is completely irrelevant” she said shyly as she leaned her head on Sirius’ shoulder, “Plus you won’t even remember me anyways”

“I wouldn’t be able to even if I tried” Sirius said meaning every word, “What’s your name?

“my name is…”

“Padfoot, oi Padfoot wake up mate” James said hitting Sirius with a pillow.

“**** James! You wouldn’t have waited 5 seconds longer?” Sirius groaned angrily. He didn’t get to hear her name.

“It’s bloody 11am! You missed breakfast already!” James said hitting him again.

“She didn’t tell me her name because of you!” Sirius said sitting up and throwing what ever he could reach.

“OUCH! Who… ouch… didn’t tell you her name?” James asked as he avoided the flying objects Sirius looking cranky. He told James all about his dream girl, “Padfoot, don’t you think you have enough kinkiness in your waking life? Merlin, you think so much about sex and girls that now you’re having erotic dreams?”

“It wasn’t erotic. I’ve never felt that way before” Sirius muttered more to himself. He remembered that warm smile, which consequently made him smile.

“So was she hot?” James asked looking at his friend with concern.

“She had violet eye mate, Sparkling penetrating violet eyes. She wasn’t my usual standard of girl, but there was something in her way of being that made her utterly attractive” Sirius said gazing out the window. He shook his head and got out of bed.

“Well you sure had a productive evening” James said ironically

“I think I had one to many tequila shot last night.” That would explain the head ache and the loss about the dream, “remind me to stick to firewhisky from now on”

+++
A/N: i love sirius even when he's a pig oh and don't forget...
F/B

Hey all! Well I have a brand new chapter for you all! I now have a beta so you guys enjoy reading without all the mistakes . So big thanks to Triad for helping me out
Alright this chapter amused me for some reason. I included Casanova because my brother Andy talks about him constantly. So yeah that's why
I hope you like the new chapter!

°°°



“You’re a pathetic excuse for a man! You stupid womanizer!” Kathy screamed in the middle of the hotel lobby. She slapped Sirius across the face and stormed off.

“You’re a worthless dog Sirius Black! You disgust me you piece of scum!” Gwen cried as she slapped his other cheek. She followed Kathy out giving Sirius one last withering stare.

“They weren’t much of a shag anyway.” Sirius said rubbing his face as James walked over to him.

“That was really smooth Padfoot. What’d you do to them?” James asked amused

“Same as always, I forgot their names and I found a girl who was ten times hotter than them. They found me snogging her in the lobby.” Sirius shrugged in a bored manner, “They were boring.”

“That’s no way to talk about a lady Sirius.” Jane said from behind them. Sirius turned and smiled sheepishly

“Trust me Mrs. P those girls weren’t ladies, I can think of a couple of things they were but ladies, defiantly not.” Sirius said putting his arm around Jane’s shoulder.

“Sorry to interrupt this fascinating conversation where Sirius proves what a gentleman he is, but I have someone to see.” James said flashing a grin.

“That someone’s initials are LE right? Prongs, stalking is also illegal here in Australia.” Sirius said smirking

“I’m not stalking her mate. She agreed to see me.” James said smiling happily

“Who? The cute red head you were talking to yesterday?” Jane asked curiously, James nodded, “Well dear behave because you know that they say red heads have a bad temper.”

“Oh no Lily Evans has a calm and charming temper. She never screams, she just smiles nicely.” Sirius said sarcastically. James rolled his eyes and walked off.

“Lily Evans as in the girl James has been drooling over for years?” Jane asked Sirius as they sat on one of the couches in the lobby, Sirius nodded, “I just hope he remembers we leave tomorrow very early in the morning.” she shook her head, “So tell me dear, why did those girls slap you?”

“They don’t understand that I am the way I am and I can’t be changed.” Sirius sighed dramatically. Jane shook her head, “I’m not joking Mrs. P! I am who I am.”

“For years I’ve watched you go from girl to girl and it’s ok. I mean you’re young, you deserve to have fun but I think you’re missing out on something. It’s called having stability,” Jane said smiling at him sweetly, “you’re of age now dear, next year you’ll be done with school. I think it’s time for you to grow up and leave your Casanova days behind.”

“Who’s Casanova?”

“Someone who also liked to have fun with girls.” Jane said smirking

“So was he as sexy as I am?” Sirius replied cheekily. Jane rolled her eyes, “I’ll grow up soon. I just haven’t met the right girl. I’ve yet to meet a girl who can keep me intrigued for longer than a week.” At least not when I’m awake, he added in his mind. He had dreamed with his mystery girl 4 times since they had been in Australia.

“You’ll meet her soon enough, just open your eyes, mind and heart to other possibilities, not only ‘hot babes.’” Jane said patting his arm in a motherly fashion, “I have to get going, I’m going to meet up with Philip. Plus, I wouldn’t want to cramp up your style.”

“You never cramp up my style. I’ll always have time for you” he said hugging her. She beamed at him and walked off. Sirius sat there thinking about “violet eyes”. He snapped out of it when he saw a good looking girl walk by. He walked over to her.

“Hi there, I’m Mr. Right I hear you’ve been looking for me.” he said winking. The girl rolled her eyes but laughed.

Why would I change if this is so much fun? Sirius thought as he worked his charms on the girl.

***
“How was your holiday?” Remus Lupin asked Sirius as they found a compartment.

“There are some fine looking girls in Australia.” Sirius grinned as he looked through the different compartments. A group of giggly 5th year Ravenclaws waved happily at him. He flashed them his sexy smiled, winked and walked off smugly, “How was your summer?”

“Not that good, I broke up with Sharon.” Remus said calmly. He shrugged as they walked into an empty compartment.

“Good riddance! You were with her for way to long.” Sirius said stretching out on the seats. Remus shrugged again, “Where’s Prongsie?”

“I thought you stayed at his house over the summer.”

“Duh Moony, I only spent 3 weeks with them. I have my own flat in London now.” Sirius said getting up and opening the compartment door. “Look here comes Wormtail”

“Merlin oh Merlin have I got some news for you!” Peter Pettigrew said as he walked in a bit out of breath.

“You have a girlfriend!” Sirius mocked. Peter blushed slightly

“No, not yet. But guess who’s Head Boy this year.” Peter said smirking

“Not you obviously.” Sirius said patting Peter on the back

“Prongs is Head Boy!” Peter said laughing.

“No way! I’ve got to see this.” Sirius said walking out the door. He walked quickly through the train thinking of all the things he was going to mock James about. He was so deep in thought that he didn’t see a girl walking out of a compartment and ran into her.

“Bloody hell! Where’s the bloody fire?” she muttered picking her books up. Sirius looked down at her and rolled his grey eyes. He bent down to help her pick her books up. He picked up a book that said “Memoirs of Jacques Casanova.”

“Sorry I didn’t see you.” Sirius said as he looked through the book, “Where did you get this book?”

“I don’t expect you to know what a book shop is or hell even a library, but that’s generally where you find books.” the girl snapped and snatched the book away before Sirius could react. She glared at him, “As surprising as it may seem to you, your head should be used to conceive ideas and thoughts, it’s not all just hair.”

She walked off towards the other end of the train.

“Pleasure to meet you too honey.” Sirius called after her. He’d never seen her before and hoped never to see her again.

“Hey Padfoot, what’s with the face?” James asked as Sirius walked into the prefect’s compartment. Lily Evans stood besides James with an annoyed look on her face.

“I think some girl just insulted me. She was very sarcastic and ironic.” Sirius said grumpily, “She was angry because I ran into her.”

“Wow a girl who can resist Sirius Black’s charm is extraordinarily intelligent.” Lily said smirking

“Shut up Evans, you love Prongsie. Aw ickle little Head Boy and Girl! The cutest little couple in all of Hogwarts!” Sirius said loudly. The prefects that were still in the carriage looked over towards them and laughed. Lily and James both blushed.

“Black why don’t you go stun yourself? Or better yet go and grow a brain.” Lily said rolling her eyes, “I’ll see you later James.”

“Since when do you call him James? What’s next, honeybun, muffin, pumpkin, babe or maybe even lover.” Sirius teased. Lily turned and made a rude hand gesture, “Tut tut manners ickle Head Girl! What kind of example are you setting?”

“Come on Padfoot, let’s go.” James said laughing. They walked back towards their compartment, “Alright let’s hear it. I know you’re dying to take the mickey out of me.”

“I was but that girl made me forget all about it. I do have one question though!” Sirius said turning towards James looking very serious, “How much did you pay Dumbledore? I assume it was gold and not something else. I don’t think you’d be willing to shag someone to be Head Boy.”

“Oi! I didn’t bribe anyone and I certainly didn’t shag Dumbledore! Merlin Dumbledore isn’t gay.” James said shaking his head, “I was just as surprised as you were.”

“Alright mate, it’s alright. Now you have the power and we’re going to use it to our advantage! The marauders will be invincible this year!” Sirius said cackling. They heard a voice coming from one of the compartments.

“Black was just mentioning some girl. He didn’t sound too happy about it.” Lily’s voice said laughing. James and Sirius stopped to listen

“He’s the idiot who ran into me. Ha and he expects me to grovel at his feet because he’s Sirius Black? Please, do I look like I’m brain dead?” said a cool female voice. James snickered at what the girl said. Sirius scowled, “Only a person with half a brain would fall for one of the Marauders. It’s a clever name for them I’ll give them that.”

“They aren’t ALL bad.” Lily said softly, “Sure Black thinks with his small head and Pettigrew is creepy but Remus and James are alright.”

“James? As in Potter? Since when is he ‘alright’? Hell since when do you call him James?” asked the same voice in a mocking tone, “Since first year I’ve been hearing ‘James Potter is a twit, he’s a toerag, a womanizing moron, he’s a simpleton, cretin, dunderhead and a nincompoop’ and that’s just to name a few of the things you’ve said!”

“Scarlet, Lily’s never used the words nincompoop or dunderhead.” said a third voice laughing, “But I agree Lils, what gives? You calling Potter James is weird.”

“What happened in Australia? Did you hit your head while skiing?” Scarlet asked bluntly

“I didn’t actually, nothing went on in Australia. I skiied and played in the snow.” Lily replied laughing

“Right you come back calling your sworn enemy by his first name and Mandy and I are suppose to believe it like good girls? Bull.” Scarlets snorted

“He’s a nice guy once you deflate his head a little.” Lily muttered, “I saw him in Australia. We agreed to try to be friends.”

James grinned widely and motioned Sirius away. He was scowling

“Who does that Scarlet girl think she is? I don’t expect girls to grovel! They just do! It happens when you’re as handsome as I am.” Sirius said indignantly as they walked into the compartment. Remus looked up and smiled

“Scarlet who?” he asked. James explained what they heard, “Ah Scarlet Garret. I thought she was a quiet sort of girl.”

“Well she’s not so quiet anymore! She’s stupid and ugly I might add.” Sirius said crossing his arms and scowling

“She’s not stupid at all, plus thanks to her I know what Lily thinks of me.” James said smiling. Sirius continued to scowl, “Stop scowling you look like Snape.”
**

“Welcome to another year at Hogwarts! Now that we’re all fed and happy I must give a few announcements.” Headmaster Dumbledore said clearing his throat, “Mr. Filch would like me to remind you that duelling is not allowed in the corridors. There is a list of 350 items that are banned. If you wish to know what they are, the list is on his office door. To all the new students and a reminder to all the older students,” his eyes flashed towards the Marauders who all put on innocent smiles, “The Forest is off limits.

“On too more serious topics. As you all know Lord Voldemort is becoming stronger. The murders and disasters are becoming daily news. I urge you all to unite against him. It is easier for him to break us apart if we aren’t unified. Respect one another; don’t let insignificant problems become huge differences. Just because you’re in different houses doesn’t make it ok for you all to loath each other.” Dumbledore said looking around the hall. Everyone was very serious except for a few Slytherins. Among those who were whispering were Bellatrix Black and Regulus Black. Sirius glared at them.

“Yeah the day we become mates with them is the day Dumbledore and Slughorn hook up in a broom closet.” Sirius said as everyone was getting up. Remus made a face

“Oh come on mate! You just painted a very nasty image in my head.” Remus said gagging

“You know Remus; they say a person can’t create an image out of now where. It had to already be in your head.” Lily said walking next to them. James and Sirius roared with laughter. Remus laughed but blushed, “I’m just joking Remus. James, Dumbledore wants to see us in his office. I assume you know where it is.”

“We’ve been sent to Dumbledore’s office more times than Moony has pictured Dumbledore and Slughorn together.” Sirius said laughing. Lily and James walked off together laughing. “Oi you two don’t have too much fun.” Lily made a rude hand gesture. Just then a girl walked by.

“Hey Darla! Did you have a good summer?” Sirius asked. The girl turned and glared.

“I’m not Darla! I’m CHARLOTTE!” the girl screamed and slapped Sirius, “You’re an idiot Black!” She stormed off with her friend.

“Smooth,” said a voice behind him. Before he had a chance to react a girl passed by him laughing.

“Who the bloody hell was she?” Sirius asked glaring and motioning to the girl who had just passed, “is it pick on the hot guy day?”

“That was Scarlet Garret, your new enemy.” Remus said laughing. Peter chuckled slightly.

“Well she can go p*ss off.” Sirius spat.


***
A/N: Poor Sirius but well I think you guys now know something I didn't want you too know until next chapter but oh well...

Feedback please

Hey everyone! I just got the chapter back from Triad (Thanks again by the way). You were all right on your guesses! I guess I'm not so good at hiding the lead. Anywho thank you all for reading... you guys rock my socks. I hope you enjoy!

***


Sirius walked along the familiar path. He quickened his pace looking among the trees to see if he could see her. It seemed like the path stretched on forever. On his mind there was only one thing: faster. He finally reached the small brook, as he expected, there she sat wearing a long white dress. She sat very still looking into the clear water. When she heard him approach, her eyes lit up and a smile formed on her lips.

“I’ve been waiting.” she said with a melodic voice. Sirius grinned and walked to sit next to her, “Somehow I knew you’d come.”

“I can’t seem to stay away. I needed to see you.” Sirius said taking her hand. Just the feeling of her warm skin against his sent chills up his spine. His cold hand warmed up in hers, “I always need to see you. It’s like I can talk to you about anything. Almost like I’ve known you all of my life.”

“Tell me something, is that a line you often use on all the other girls?” she asked with small laugh. Sirius wasn’t offended by her question; he was more like amused and surprised she knew about the other girls

“I don’t use it with other girls because that would imply some sort of feelings towards them. Why get their hopes up? But with you I know this feeling is real.” Sirius said looking deep into her violet eyes. She smiled, “You know, I really like the way your eyes look when you’re amused.”

“I like it when you’re honest and upfront. I really don’t like it when you use cheap lines.” she said still smiling, “I want to know more about you. Tell me your biggest fear.” Usually Sirius refused to answer questions of that sort. He figured he wasn’t going to last much with the girl; why get to know one another then?

“I’ve never given it much thought actually but now I think... I think my biggest fear is being a true Black. My parents aren’t... well they aren’t very good people. They hate every muggle, muggle-born and blood traitor. Everyone, except for a few, in my family is like that. They’re all sick and twisted. I’m hated because I’m not like them.” Sirius said shrugging. There was a certain bitterness in his voice. The dream girl gave his hand a squeeze, “You know, I use to think there was something wrong with me, I thought that I must be strange for not being like my family. I was the one who was wrong, I deserved to be treated that way. But then I came to Hogwarts and I broke the family tradition. Everything changed for me.”

“There are moments when I do something stupid or truly mean; that’s when I feel like the evil is in my blood. Like in 5th year when I did something stupid which almost killed Snape I didn’t feel guilty; actually I enjoyed the idea of him dying, I probably still do.” Sirius shuddered slightly, he looked towards the brook, “Maybe I am evil inside. Maybe I’m going to turn into my mum or my dad. There might be evil behind this handsome face.”

“Listen to me Sirius, you’re not a bad person. We all have some good and bad in us. It’s the law of opposites, light and dark. It’s what we choose to do what makes us who we are.” she smiled and put her soft hand on his face, “I don’t see evil behind these sparkling grey eyes. You’re a good person Sirius. You have some faults but hey who doesn’t?”

Sirius smiled sheepishly. He felt so at peace being near her. He had never felt like this with any girl. Every time he had dreamed with her all they did was talk and walk, they’d never kissed. Tonight he was going for it! His face inched forward, he expected her to pull back but she didn’t. Those Violet eyes he was growing so fond of were getting nearer. He could tell she wanted to kiss him just as much as she did.

Their lips were only centimeters apart. His pulse was racing, his mind was going blank. He could feel her warm breath on his face. He was falling into it...

“PADFOOT, WAKE UP!” Remus yelled impatiently. He shook Sirius violently, “Come on mate! You were supposed to be down at the Quidditch pitch 5 minutes ago!”

“RUDDY-HELL MOONY! I WAS ABOUT TO KISS HER!” Sirius yelled hopping out of bed. He shoved Remus angrily and stormed off into the bathroom slamming the door shut.

“Whose got his knickers in a knot?” Peter asked waking up suddenly. Remus shrugged but heard a similar commotion coming from the girls’ dorm.

Ten minutes later Remus and Sirius were walking grumpily to the Quidditch Pitch. Sirius knew that he was late. That day was the first Quidditch match of the season. He had played beater on the Gryffindor team for three years. They had won the Quidditch Cup for two years now, ever since James had been made Captain.

“So you dreamed with her again.” Remus said politely, Sirius nodded moodily, “This is starting to get really weird.”

“You’re telling me, in my dream she was holding one of my hands, when I woke up that hand was warm and the other was cold. These dreams are so vivid that I can’t seem to think about anything else.” Sirius said sighing heavily, “It’d be so awesome if she were real. But that would be as rare as hen's teeth.”

“I think she is real.” Remus said smiling. Sirius looked at him incredulous, “It might just be a coincidence but when you were yelling at me I heard a similar ruckus coming from the girls’ dorm. I’ve read about connections like this. They are rare but I’m sure I can find out more about them.”

“Well if what you’re saying is true and she’s at Hogwarts then... I reckon I’ll apply for the Divination job after Hogwarts.” Sirius said grinning and wining at some Hufflepuff’s that walked by.

***
“Scarlet why on earth are you wearing those ridiculous sunglasses?” Lily asked as they walked down to the Quidditch pitch. Scarlet turned and smiled.

“Why in world are you dragging me down to see a Quidditch game?” Scarlet countered

“Do you always answer questions with questions?” Lily asked

“Do you?” Scarlet said laughing

“Are you two going to argue the entire time?” Amanda asked as she watched Scarlet pull up her hair with a muggle pencil

“Are we going to continue this conversation in question form?” Lily asked laughing

“That sure it’d be very interesting... I wonder who’d win.” said a male voice from behind them. All three girls turned to see Remus Lupin walking with Peter Pettigrew. It was a good thing Scarlet was wearing sunglasses or they’d have seen her roll her eyes.

“I reckon either Scarlet or Lily seeing as they’re both stubborn as can be, but I think maybe Scarlet because she’s worse than Lily.” Amanda said smiling at Remus. He not only returned the smile but gave her a subtle wink.

“So are you girls headed down to see the game?” Remus asked looking at Amanda. She nodded and smiled, “Mandy you have really pretty eyes, what colour would you say they were?”

“Well my mum always says sky blue. Yours are nice too Remus, are they what blue with green?” Amanda replied looking into his eyes. Scarlet groaned.

“What is it with all the eye talk? Eyes are only that, eyes. They have no other purpose than to see. The colour is really not important.” Scarlet said with disdain. Lily looked at her suspiciously.

“Eyes are very important actually. They say that our eyes are the window to our soul” Remus replied and looked at her, “Come to think of it Scarlet I’ve never noticed what colour your eyes are.”

“Oh her eyes are amazing! They’re...”

“Midnight blue. Nothing too wonderful.” Scarlet said cutting Amanda off. She took both Amanda and Lily by the arms as speed up, “We’ll see you later Lupin.”

They walked off quickly. Once out of ear shot Amanda turned to Scarlet

“What the hell was that about?” she asked surprised, “Your eyes aren’t midnight blue! They’re violet!”

“No duh Sherlock! I’m changing the colour to midnight blue.” Scarlet hissed. Lily pulled Scarlet towards the lake, “Oi I thought you wanted to see the game.”

“What I want is for you to explain to us what’s up!” Lily said sternly sitting Scarlet down next to the lake, “Don’t think for one second that I haven’t heard you muttering in your sleep or that I haven’t noticed how distracted you’ve been since we got back to Hogwarts or how you run away every time Sirius Black is around! Now you’re making an effort to hide your eyes and you’re even going as far as changing the colour! Explain!”

Scarlet sighed heavily and took off the sunglasses. She put her normal glasses back on, “If I tell you guys you’re going to mock me.”

“We won’t mock you Scarlet.” Amanda said smiling and raising her right hand

“Fine but this stays between you two, the lake and me. Ever since summer holidays I’ve been having very vivid dreams... dreams that...” Scarlet stuttered

“Just say it already!”

“I’ve been dreaming about Sirius Black ok!” Scarlet said blushing and scowling. Amanda and Lily looked at each other and laughed, “You said you wouldn’t mock me!”

“We aren’t, but that’s really random!” Lily said trying to control herself.

“These dreams aren’t normal ok? They’re so real that I have the feeling Black has been having similar dreams, the only difference is that I know who he is but he doesn’t know who I am.” Scarlet said picking up a stone and throwing it at the lake, “He’s as thick as a brick! I guess its better this way. This is why I want to change the colour of my eyes. Violet eyes aren’t very common but blue are. Maybe I’m just being paranoid, he may not even dream with me but its better safe than sorry.”

“That explains it!” Amanda said suddenly. Scarlet arched an eyebrow, “When Lily went to wake you, I was in the common room reading and at exactly the same time I heard a ‘Ruddy-hell’. One coming from the boys dorm and the other well I knew it was Scarlet... so tell us what was the dream about?”

“Never you mind.” Scarlet replied with a smile

“Urgh don’t tell me you’ve been shagging him in your dreams! Even in a dream that could be dangerous! He might give you dream germs.” Lily said looking disgusted. Amanda giggled

“Say all you want but Sirius is hot. He’s a pig but he’s hot none the less.” Amanda said still giggling

“Merlin’s beard no! We talk in my dreams. Talk, walk and laugh.” Scarlet said blushing again, “Oh and Mandy don’t let Lupin hear you say Black is hot or he’d be disappointed. I saw the big eyed glances you guys were tossing at each other!” Scarlet shuddered, “Mandy and Lupin; Lily and Potter, you two are icky.”

“Look who’s talking! Scarlet and Sirius, you guys even have the alliteration going for you!” Lily said pinching Scarlet’s cheek, “I didn’t see this one coming!”

“Seriously Lils, no pun intended by the way, there’s no connection between Black and I.” Scarlet sighed as she stood up sighing, “I hadn’t realized how soft I am. That and shallow. But let me tell you that I’d have to be trousered to start dating him.” She put her sunglasses back on.

“Come on then, I promised James I’d go watch the game... not a single word from you Scarlet Garret.” Lily said quickly before Scarlet could speak.

“I was just going to say ok, let’s go watch Prince Potter play.” Scarlet said linking her arms with her friends. They walked off to the pitch laughing.

“HA! I knew it!” said a voice. Remus Lupin appeared out of thin air. He was holding a silvery cloak which he had just pulled off, “I knew it was her!”

***
A/N: sooo yeah it's Scarlet. What do you guys think? Moony will blab? Will he shut up? Isn't it a bit sick that he's spying? Gotta love the cloak though
Oh yeah remember...

Feedback please

Hey guys! I’m back with another chapter! It’s not as long as the others but it’s a chapter! Well I can say now that I’ve finally written a Quidditch match! I’d never done that! I hope it went ok! Well if not then please tell me! Thanks again to my great beta Triad. She’s awesome for taking the time.



“Welcome to the first Quidditch match of the season. Boy and what a match it will be! The defending champions of Gryffindor against the amazing Ravenclaw! Both teams have an amazing line up this season. You all know who I am of course. I’m the incredibly sexy, charming and great Alexander Stone. Don’t worry ladies, there’s enough of this for all of you.” Alexander said winking at several girls who were nearby which all giggled.

“Get on with the game Mr. Stone.” Professor McGonagall snapped.

“Right, I was just about to do that Professor. Here come the teams! For Gryffindor; Potter, Benson, Carson, Anderson, Black, Silver and Kent!” Alexander yelled happily. The crowd cheered. Lily and Amanda got up and cheered with the rest of the Gryffindors. Scarlet sat there with a book opened on her lap. “Here comes Ravenclaw! Chang, Prewitt, Sullivan, DeVille, Johnson, Nashell and Latron!”

Both teams settled down on the Quidditch Pitch, Madam Tinkler made the captains shake hands. Before they kicked off, James looked at Lily and grinned. He waved and kicked off. Lily blushed like mad and Scarlet snorted loudly.

“And they’re off. Gryffindor has the Quaffle, Carson passes to Benson then back to Carson who passes to Potter. That was an impressive skive of that bludger hit, nice job Potter! Johnson doesn’t look very happy about missing. Look at Potter go! Gryffindor scores!” Alexander cried and clapped along with the other Gryffindors, “Ravenclaw has the Quaffle. Prewitt passes to Sullivan who passes to Chang, oh nice bludger by Black. Look at all the girls swoon.”

It was very true, several girls had banners that said “WE LOVE YOU SIRIUS!” They all cheered and giggled. Scarlet rolled her eyes as Sirius blew the girls kisses.

As the game went on it grew dirtier. James received a hit over the head with one of the beaters bats, which resulted in a penalty. Then Sirius as reprisal he threw his bat at the beater. Landon Silver, the Gryffindor keep got knocked off his broom when John Sullivan tackled him in mid air. The score was GRYFFINDOR 130 RAVENCLAW 110.

“After that despicable display of Blatching Sullivan has the Quaffle again. If you guys take notice his head and the Quaffle look so much alike that you can’t tell the difference between them.” Alexander said laughing. The Ravenclaw fans booed the rest laughed. Professor McGonagall told him off, “Right, right Prewitt drops the Quaffle which is picked up by Potter, boy can that guy fly! Look at him go! Johnson hits a bludger at him but its hit back by Black. WAIT! LOOK Latron and Kent have both seen the snitch!”

When Lucas Johnson and Pier DeVille saw Caleb Kent beating Louis Latron they both hit bludgers at him. Sirius saw them and flew as fast as he could. He deflected one and hit the other but lost control of his broomstick. He tried to regain control but he was going too fast. He flew directly into the stands. Since Lily and Amanda had been paying attention to the game they moved quickly out of the way but Scarlet on the other hand had been reading, so Sirius flew directly into her. There was a loud bang and several cheers. Caleb Kent had caught the snitch but neither Sirius nor Scarlet saw this. They had both hit their heads and were out cold.

***
Sirius felt his head throb in pain. He heard voice and tried to hear but couldn’t.

“Lupin I swear if you say a word, you’ll never be able to be with Amanda.” a voice mumbled angrily. There was a muffled laugh, “Remus John Lupin swear you’re going to shut your trap!”

“Oh Merlin! She said my full name! Now I’m shaking in my knickers.” Remus mocked. After a few muffled swear words on the part of the female voice Remus laughed, “Fine, I won’t say anything for a while.”

“Moony who in the bloody hell are you talking to?” Sirius moaned as he stirred, “Uou’re my mate, you’re supposed to be sitting with me!”

“Oh dragon boogies, I liked you better when you were unconscious.” Scarlet said rolling her eyes. Sirius turned his head to see who it was.

“Son of a banshee it’s you! Well I don’t like you at all!” Sirius snapped. Scarlet turned her back to him. She grabbed her wand and flicked it to put a screen between the beds, “Moon come over here! She might infect you with bitterness!”

Scarlet muttered something and suddenly Sirius’ tongue was glued to the roof of his mouth.

“Remember you promised.” Scarlet said to Remus as he got up to help Sirius.

“Fine but I won’t be silent forever you know.” Remus said smiling. Sirius groaned and tried to speak but couldn’t, “The thing you want to do well you better do it fast because well your secret won’t be safe much longer unless you do it now.”

“Right, don’t worry I’m doing it ASAP.” Scarlet smiled, “I might even do it the muggle way.” Sirius tried to get up but felt dizzy and fell over, he tried to swear but couldn’t, Scarlet pushed the screen aside to laugh “Now Black, that should teach you to be a gentleman. Don’t mess with me.” Sirius made a rude hand gesture and glared. Scarlet returned the gestured as she smiled. “It’s your fault I’m here in the first place, if you weren’t such a cocky arrogant show off I wouldn’t be here.” Scarlet said calmly. Sirius grabbed a pillow and threw it at her, “Tut, tut Black where are your manners? You really shouldn’t tick me off more.” Scarlet flicked her wand and Sirius was hanging upside down by his ankle. He tried to speak but couldn’t.

“Come on Scarlet cut his some slack. He did receive a hard blow to the head today.” Remus said trying very hard not to laugh.

“Guess it’s not so fun when you’re the one hanging upside down eh Black?” Scarlet said dropping him hard on the bed and laughing. Madam Pomfrey came over to see them.

“Miss Garrett what are you doing?” Madam Pomfrey asked looking from Sirius to Scarlet who had her wand pointed at Sirius.

“Nothing, just chatting with my good friends Sirius and Remus.” Scarlet said flicking her wand, “Right Sirius?”

“Oh yeah, we’re having a nice civil conversation about what a hag she is.” Sirius said choking and coughing.

“Well you two better get along because you’re spending the night here. Head injuries are very tricky and you both hit your heads very hard.” Madam Pomfrey said handing them both a potion.

“I’m fine, my head is fine! I don’t want to spend the night near her! She might try to rape me!” Sirius said after he drank the potion.

“In your dreams.” Scarlet smirked, Remus snorted, “I reckon he’s right though Madam Pomfrey, his head is fine seeing as there’s no brain to injure.”

“You two better behave and rest.” Madam Pomfrey said in a somewhat amused tone. She left to her office. Scarlet laid back down and stared at the ceiling. Remus began to tell Sirius about the match.

“So Right when you crashed into Scarlet, Kent caught the snitch. We won because of you mate.” Remus said happily, “Prongs will be up soon, he’s showering and changing. He brought you up, saw that you were ok and said he’d be right back.” Just as Remus finished saying that James walked in with Lily and Amanda.

“Padfoot you are the man mate! It’s good to see you awake.” James walked in grinning. He patted Sirius on the back. Lily walked over to Scarlet, Amanda on the other hand stood next to Remus in the middle of both beds. “The rest of the teams send their love, Madam Pomfrey kicked them out so they’re in the Common Room celebrating.”

“How are you feeling Scarlet?” Lily asked concerned. Scarlet shrugged and continued to stare at the ceiling as she flicked her wand to pull the screen between the beds.

“My head hurts but I’m not going to tell Madam Pomfrey that because she’ll want to make me stay longer and I honestly can’t stand being near that arrogant pig any longer. I hear stupidity is contagious.” Scarlet said not bothering to lower her voice, “I wouldn’t even be in here if SOMEBODY knew how to fly. I reckon the weight of his giant head finally brought him down.”

Sirius pushed the screen aside with a swish of his wand. “If you’re going to say something says it to my face.” Sirius snapped.

“Na, I don’t think so. I’d probably puke and then Madam Pomfrey would think I’m worse than I am.” Scarlet replied bored, “Just the sight of your face makes me wish I were blind.”

“Like I’m suppose to believe that.” Sirius smirked, “You want me so bad it’s burning every fiber of your body. You wish you were lying here next to me, hugging me tightly.”

“Ha! I didn’t hit my head that hard! I’d have to be stoned and stupid to even think that!” Scarlet said rolling her eyes. Sirius suddenly snapped his head towards her. Scarlet noticed and pulled the screen again. She quickly muttered something to Lily. Lily laughed but stood between Scarlet and the screen blocking her from sight.

“Hey Garret, what colour are your eyes?" Sirius asked pushing the screen aside.

“Never you mind.” Scarlet said pulling it again.

“Answer the question.” Sirius said trying to get up this time. He stumbled over towards her and landed on Scarlet’s bed. She stared at him and he stared back. There was something so familiar about her eyes and they way she looked at him, yet her eyes were midnight blue. Sirius looked deep into them as if trying to read her mind. Scarlet snapped out of it.

“Get off my bed now.” Scarlet muttered. Sirius shook his head, shrugged and got up. “You sure are a strange person Black.”

“Look who’s talking.” Sirius muttered lying back down looking puzzled.


A/N: Next chapter is a bit more interesting.

Feedback

Hey people! How are you all?! Well I'm back again with a new chapter which is just great because I haven't updated in a long while! I was busy ending my other fic and you know busy with life and everything. But here I am and I have a chapter fresh from my wicked beta Triad. Thanks much

So I hope you enjoy the chapter and hopefully it's not boring. So thanks guys for sticking with me and I have a few twists prepared for this fic!

Happy reading!

***


It was an interesting weekend for both Sirius and Scarlet. After they spent the night in the hospital wing Madam Pomfrey decided they still weren’t well enough to leave. So she was making them stay for the weekend.

“I have an essay to finish for potions! I’m still an inch short!” Scarlet argued, “I need to go to the library.”

“I have a hot date… with err someone… not sure who but never the less a date.” Sirius whined

“Stop fussing if you can walk a straight line across the room then you can leave.” Madam Pomfrey said crossing her arms and looking at them.

Sirius stood up quickly and began to strut across the room but stumbled midway. He looked put off as he tried to keep his balance.

“Good job pea brain.” Scarlet said laughing as Sirius glared at her. She stood up laughing, “Oh no it’s the withering stare! Let me show you how it’s done.”

Sirius stood wobbly glaring at her. Scarlet walking in a straight line over towards where Sirius stood, she smirked and began to walk past him. Just as she as she was passing she stumbled. She tried to stop herself from falling by grabbing on to Sirius’ arm but instead she just pulled him down with her, he fell on top of her.

“Second time in two days you land on me Black! Get off!” Scarlet snarled as she felt the colour rise to her face. Sirius smirked and rolled off.

“I think you like having me on top of you seeing as you’re the one who pulled me down on you.” Sirius said as he slowly got up. He offered Scarlet his hand but she refused and began to get up on her own. She was very light headed and couldn’t stand, Sirius took her arms and helped her, “Stubborn as a mule.”

“Get back to bed the both of you! You’re staying until further notice.” Madam Pomfrey said as she gave them both a potion. “I don’t want to hear any complaining do I make myself clear?” They both nodded.

Scarlet took a piece of parchment and scribbled a quick note. She glared over at Sirius who was busy muttering as he looked at himself in the mirror, “Vain.” she mumbled as she made the note into a paper airplane.

Sirius looked over at her as she charmed the paper to fly out the room, “Show off.” he muttered and put the mirror away. He saw her pull out a book and became absorbed in it. “Is that the book about the Casanova bloke?” he asked after a while.

“The man wasn’t a bloke you dunderhead and yes it’s his memoirs.” she replied without looking up. She picked up her hair with the pencil she had used to write. Sirius noticed that it was strange to see a witch with a pencil but thought it was amusing, “Now shut your trap and let me read.” she said without even looking up.

“Garret…”

“WHAT?!” Scarlet replied exasperated

“I’m bored.” Sirius replied sighing deeply

“So what do you want me to do about it?” she snapped, “Why don’t you do what you always do on Saturdays.”

“I reckon you wouldn’t want to snog.” Sirius laughed. Scarlet rolled her eyes and pulled the screen again. Once Sirius couldn’t see her she smiled and shook her head. What she hadn’t realized is that he had gotten up and was standing at the foot of her bed, “By the look of that smile I say you just might.”

“Think with your big brain for once. I’m reading so I smile.” Scarlet snapped. She felt her cheeks burn, “Merlin’s sock leave me alone!”

“I can’t until I’m not bored anymore.” Sirius laughed as he pushed the screen aside.

“I’m not a monkey too entertain you.”

“Can I ask you a question?” Sirius asked as he got back in his bed

“Even if I say no you’re going to ask anyway.” Scarlet said without looking up.

“Why do you hate me? You don’t even know me.” Sirius said looking at her curiously. She wasn’t the average girl Sirius knew. She was actually pretty ugly… better yet she was sloppy and messy. Yet it bugged Sirius that she hated him.

“It’s bugging your ego not to have someone drool over you?” she replied smirking. She continued to read but Sirius noticed that her eyes weren’t moving anymore.

“You didn’t answer my question.”

“Hate is a strong word, I just really, really don’t like you.” Scarlet said sighing and looking up, “I just think you’re incredibly vain, egocentric, stupid, cocky, arrogant, superficial, stereotypical, rude… the list goes on and on but that’s just off the top of my head. Plus like you said I don’t know you… if I did I’m sure I would have even more to add to my list.”

“Ok that may be so but I must say… I’m not stupid.” Sirius said smugly as Scarlet shrugged, “You’re good to judge considering the fact that you’re full of faults as well, rude, proud, messy, sloppy, judgemental, narrow minded…”

“How would you know? You didn’t even know my name until a few months ago. I on the other hand have heard about the ‘great Sirius Black’. Taking over the world one shag at a time.” Scarlet said raising her eye brows. Sirius opened his mouth to reply just as Lily and James walked in laughing.

“Then Padfoot trips over the niffler, falls down the stairs and lands right in front of McGonagall who looks peeved. So Padfoot smiles and says “Lovely dressing gown professor, I reckon it’d look better in pink though’ It was classic” James laughed as Lily laughed along with him. “Hey mate here’s what you asked me for.”

“Since when are you two so chummy?” Sirius asked grinning and winking at Lily. She shook her head and walked over to Scarlet.

“You’re a twit Black; we don’t have to explain anything to you. Just because you’ve never had a female friend who you haven’t shagged doesn’t mean everyone is like you.” Lily replied rolling her eyes. Scarlet noticed how Lily blushed.

“For the first and the last time, I agree with Black. Are you two together now?” Scarlet replied in a mocking tone. James blushed and looked away with a sad look on his face.

“Stop mocking us please, we’re just friends.” Lily said blushing and looking at James with a grin on her face. She looked back at Scarlet and winked, “Let’s go James, you said we were going to go flying.”

“Yeah, see you mate.” James said to Sirius, “Bye Scarlet.” Scarlet smiled and winked at him as Lily was walking out. He looked uncertain, and then Scarlet gave him a thumbs up and pointed to Lily. James grinned and walked out.

“That was decent, didn’t know you had it in you.” Sirius said in a surprised tone. Scarlet simply shrugged and tossed her book over to Sirius.

“Maybe that way you’ll shut up.” she said taking out the books Lily brought.

“Mint.” Sirius said as he began to read.

Time flew by for Sirius as he read. Scarlet finished her essay and began to work on her other essays. Later that afternoon some of Sirius’ fan club visited him and brought him things. They were three friends named Melody, Anne and Sue.

“How’s your head?” said a giggly girl known as Melody

“I’ll live.” Sirius shrugged and grinned at them. They all awed. One looked over at Scarlet who was writing on the other side of the screen.

“Ew you had to sleep next to that girl?” Anne asked looking disgusted

“Bet you had nightmares with something as gross as Scarlet Garret nearby.” Melody said faking a gag.

“Girls be nice, Garret is cool so don’t talk bad about her.” Sirius said in a bored tone, “Now who wants to give me a massage?”

Scarlet shook her head angrily as she heard all three giggle and argue over who got to massage Sirius. She put her quill aside and laid down covering her head with the pillow. She must have fallen asleep because when she sat up it was dark and the screen had been pulled aside.

“I thought you had killed yourself or something.” Sirius said when he looked over. He was still reading.

“With all the mushiness coming from your fan club, I think I might have slipped into a sugar coma.” Scarlet said yawning as she picked her hair up with her pencil

“Jealous are we? Because I can still use a massage.” Sirius smirked

“Do I look like an empty headed moron?” Scarlet rolled her eyes, “The day you inspire any feeling of jealousy in me is the day Dumbledore turns gay and declares his undying love for Hagrid in the Great Hall.”

“Nice visual you’ve just painted.” Sirius said shaking his head, “Here’s your book, I loved it. This guy was the master! He was like a philosopher.”

“You read a lot faster than I expected.” Scarlet said looking surprised, “I thought your head was only there for your hair.”

“Well even if you hate me doesn’t mean that I’m what you think I am.” Sirius said looking at her intensely, “People can surprise you if you let them Garret.”

“I have a question Black. Why do you care if I hate you or not? I mean in your unicellular brain where does that fit in?” Scarlet asked before she could stop herself. Sirius looked amused, “We aren’t friends and by all means I reckon we never will be I’m not anyone to you so why does it matter?”

“I dunno.” Sirius shrugged, “I guess that’s one of life’s greatest mysteries.”

***
Dumbledore decided to organize a ball before winter break. He thought it’d be a good idea to help everyone relax seeing as there was so much tension in the air.

The ball was set for the day before winter break began and you could feel the excitement in the air as it was announced. All the girls were thinking of what to wear, all the guys were thinking of who to go with, almost everyone was thrilled to go.

“So… Lily.” James said as he and Lily paroled the halls one week before the ball, “Do you have a date for the ball?”

“I’ve had several offers but I’ve rejected them all.” Lily said smiling slightly, “So how about you? How many girls from you ‘fan club’ have offered to be your date?”

“About 15 but I’ve told them all that I want to go with someone else… the thing is I’m scared to ask her because… I dunno what her reply will be.” James said sounding a bit nervous. It always happened to him when Lily was around. He didn’t feel confident or sure of himself.

“Well you’ll never know if you don’t ask her. Maybe she’s been waiting for you to strike up the courage to ask.” Lily said shrugging as she stopped to look at him.

“Lily… I-I know we haven’t always gotten along and most of the time it was my fault… well actually more like all the time it was my fault but I was wondering if we could put the past behind us and if maybe you’d consider going to the ball with me.” James rambled. Lily grinned; she had never seen him ramble as much as then, “I promise you’ll have a good time… please.”

“Well since you said please.” Lily said laughing and blushing slightly

“Thanks Lils, seriously.” James said smiling foolishly as he ran into a suit of armour, “Who put that there? I-I thanks! You won’t regret it I promise!”

***
The cool air ruffled his black hair gently as he sat on his favourite rock next to the brook. He saw leaves dance happily in the wind. The air had the fresh aroma of gardenias. Out of the corner of his eye he saw her staring at her with a sexy smile on her face. Sirius continued to observe her out of the corner of his eye as she approached. When she was closed enough he turned quickly to give her a hug but didn’t count on her quick instincts. She punched him hard in the nose. Sirius literally saw stars dancing around his head.

“I’m sorry Sirius! You… you startled me.” she said making him sit back down. She pulled out a handkerchief it too smelt of gardenias just like the wind. Sirius’ eyes were watering but his nose wasn’t bleeding

“Remind me never to make you mad.” Sirius said wiping his eyes and laughing.

“I’m really sorry.” she replied patting his head tenderly, “How can I make it up to you?”

“Come to the ball with me.” Sirius said out of the blue. He was just as surprised as she was seeing as he didn’t even know if she was real. Yet something inside told him she was.

“I… err… don’t you have a date already?” she replied taken back by his request.

“No, I don’t want to go with anyone but you.” Sirius said taking her hand softly, “Unless you don’t want me as your date and punching me was a way of showing it.”

“It’s not that but, I’m afraid I’m not who you expect.” she replied sadly and walked towards the brook hugging herself, Sirius stood up behind and walked to her. He wrapped his arms around her, “I’m not your dream come true you know.”

“Yes you are! No matter what happens you’re already my dream come true.” Sirius whispered into her ear, “So will you be my date?”

“I…err…”

“Padfoot mate wake up!” James said happily as he shook Sirius. Sirius didn’t shout this time he directly jumped up and tackled James, “Gerroff man!”

“She… was… going to… say… YES!” Sirius said as he clobbered James with his pillow. He got up and threw himself on his bed again looking angry. Remus and Peter stirred but didn’t wake, “What’s so bloody important?”

“She said yes man! She agreed to go to the ball with me!” James said as he got up without losing his happiness.

“Who Evans?” Sirius asked suddenly forgetting his anger momentarily. James nodded grinning, “No way! Did you give her Amortentia?”

“Nope she said yes on her own free will.” James Laughed. He bounces up and down happily on his bed, “Ever since Scarlet gave me that thumbs up that day in the hospital wing I knew it’d be safe to ask.”

“Well I knew it’d happen sooner or later. Only took you 6 years or so but you finally did it! Good job mate!” Sirius said grinning. “Awe your kids will be bespectacled midgets with green eyes and sloppy black hair.”

“Let’s just see if I make it through the first date.” James laughed. He looked happier than Sirius had ever seen him. “So who are you going with?”

“Dream girl.” Sirius said noticing something under his pillow. He picked it up and grinned. It was a silky white handkerchief that smelt of gardenias. He smiled looking just as happy as James, “No doubt about it, I’m defiantly going with the girl of my dreams.”

***

A/N: Going to the ball with a dream... now that's a thought! I still am in love with Sirius

Feedback please

Wow I'm getting so bad at posting! It's horrible I know and I'm very sorry! This is probably why I've lost so many readers I'll be better I promise! I'm already working on the next chapter. So thanks to all of you who have stuck with me through it all! You guys rock! Also big thanks to my AMAZING beta Triad for all her help! So this chapter is on the verge of being way too cheesy for my taste but I doubt anyone will go into a sugar coma by reading this.

***



A thick layer of snow fell gently on the castle the night before the ball. There was a fire roaring in the Gryffindor Common room which was almost deserted given that it was well past midnight. There were only 3 girls left there. One of which was pacing in front of the fire with a concerned look upon her face.

“Scarlet you’re making me dizzy! Can you please sit down?!” Amanda said as she shook her head and put her magazine away.

“I can’t sit down, if I sit down I think even more… I’m much too nervous to sit anyway.” Scarlet replied as she continued to pace.

“Why don’t you tell us what’s wrong then? Why are you nervous?” Lily asked giving her friend a concerned look as she finished a letter. Scarlet shook her head, “Don’t even say nothing is wrong because that’s a load of horse-”

“He has my handkerchief.” Scarlet muttered, “What am I supposed to do?”

“Sorry to interrupt ladies but I need a word with Scarlet.” Remus said coming out of the shadows. All three girls jumped looking startled.

“Holly… you gave us a fright!” Scarlet said looking scared, “What ever you need to say you can say it in front of them.”

“Sirius is convinced that his ‘dream girl’ is going to meet him at the ball.” Remus said sighing as he sat next to Amanda, “He says that she said yes to him a bit ago.” Amanda gasped and Lily stared.

“I didn’t say yes to him!” Scarlet muttered as she sat down sighing heavily, “Plus he must have like 10 back up dates just in case right?”

“Well that’s what I thought too but the weird thing is that he doesn’t.” Remus said amused, “He’s convinced that he’s going with you so he has no other date. Just you.”

“When did you find out?” Amanda asked looking from Remus to Scarlet, “Are you two like best friends now or something?”

“Lupin has the nasty habit of spying on people.” Scarlet replied rolling her eyes. She looked very troubled.

“Sirius maybe a jerk at times but he’s one of my best mates. I’ve known him for a while now and I can honestly say I’ve never seen him like this before. He always has a backup date just in case he gets bored. He says he doesn’t want any other girl he only wants to go with you.” Remus said looking slightly confused, he sighed deeply, “What on earth did you do to him?”

“I have no idea.” Scarlet replied smiling very slightly. She quickly scowled once again, “What do you expect me to do Lupin? Just show up there and see the disappointed look on his face? This isn’t a bloody muggle fairy tale for Pete’s sake!”

“Who’s Pete?” Amanda asked innocently. Lily silenced her with a look.

“I maybe a masochist at times but I’m not completely mental! One look at me and he’ll go off running the other way.” Scarlet spat bitterly, “Or worse he’ll mock me then he’ll run.”

“I don’t think that would happen Lottie.” Lily said as she smiled sweetly. Lily and Amanda were the only two people she’d ever allow to call her that, “Black has been a perverted jerk in the past but I’ve noticed he’s changed. Whether you want to admit it or not you two have a very rare connection. It has to mean something.”

“It means someone is playing a cruel joke on us.” Scarlet muttered

“If you don’t show up Scarlet, he’ll be crushed. Underneath that big ego there’s a kind person. You’ve gotten to see a side of Sirius that only his best friends rarely see.” Remus said shrugging slightly Scarlet stood up again and began to pace. Amanda whispered something to Remus who smiled and nodded, “If you show up I’ll tell him everything I know. Either way he’ll find out.”

“You... you wouldn’t!” Scarlet said glaring at him. Amanda laughed happily

“If he doesn’t then I will.” Amanda replied grinning. Scarlet glared at her too, “You’re my friend and I want what is best for you!”

“I don’t even have anything to wear!” Scarlet said angrily. She left like hexing all of them but restrained herself. Amanda and Lily looked at each other laughing, “Don’t laugh at me!”

“Don’t worry about that. We’ll take care of everything dear Lottie.” Lily said winking at Remus.

***
“What if she doesn’t show up Padfoot? Have you ever considered the fact that she might not even be real.” Peter asked as they were getting dressed for the ball.

“It’s like trying to explain magic to a muggle.” Sirius sighed, “I know she’ll be there alright. I just know she’ll be there.”

“I know you ‘think’ you know but what if she isn’t?” Peter insisted. Sirius turned and glared at him

“Besides being ugly are you also deaf Wormtail? If I said I know she’ll be there is because she’ll be there ok?!” Sirius snapped. Peter simply shrugged.

Though he was trying to act confident Sirius’ head was full of doubts. His brain told him that he was standing on both unknown ground as well as dangerous. But something in him told him that dream girl was real and that she’d be there. He kept repeating that over and over again.

He walked down to the Entrance Hall looking as handsome as ever. Several girls turned to look at him even if they had dates. He on the other hand wasn’t paying attention to anyone. He stood there looking across the hall waiting for any sign of her. He looked at his watch and saw he was early of once. “You have to be patient Sirius... the best things in life take time.” he said to himself.

He waited and waited and dream girl was a no show. He walked over to the entrance of the Great Hall and saw everyone about to sit down to dinner. Lily and James were finally being seated, they had been supervising that everything was perfect. James was now staring at Lily in awe. Sirius grinned and shook his head; he understood why his friend was in awe. Lily looked amazing with her long red hair pulled up in a fancy twist; she was wearing a black silk dress which enhanced her great figure. Next to them was Remus with Amanda, they seemed to be having a great time because Remus was grinning like an idiot. He saw Peter sitting with a 3rd year who looked completely uncomfortable. Sirius couldn’t help but laugh at the sight. Out of the Marauders the one who was clumsy and terrible with women was Peter. “But at least he has a date” he thought bitterly. He felt a knot at the pit of his stomach. He could easily go in and find a girl to be with but that wasn’t what he wanted. He was just going to go back to his dorm and sleep. He didn’t feel like going in without dream girl. He turned and headed towards the stairs.

“Leaving so soon? I thought the night was just beginning.” said a melodic voice coming from behind him. Sirius turned and saw a pair of violet eyes gleaming and looking at him with amusement. She was there staring at him just like he knew she would. Her long dark hair fell in cascades down to the middle of her back. It was sleek and perfect. Her full lips were curved greeting him with a smile, making her cute dimples appear. She was wearing a pearl coloured dress which seemed to be handmade for her because it fit her perfectly. Sirius rubbed his eyes to make sure he wasn’t seeing things, “I’m pretty sure we’re awake this time.”

“I-I thought you weren’t coming.” Sirius managed to say as he took her hand. She was real and she was there!

“And yet you waited more than 30 minutes and you have no backup plan.” she grinned as he smiled sheepishly

“Are you going to tell me who you are now?” Sirius said as he linked his fingers with hers. She stared at him bewildered

“You still don’t know who I am?”

“What can I say; I’m a self absorbed nimrod who apparently is completely blind and stupid. I can in fact tell you I feel horrible about not knowing your name.” Sirius said blushing slightly. He stared deep into those violet eyes he had come to know so well. She smiled very slightly at him.

“Well you have an entire night to figure it out pal.” she said pulling him towards the Great Hall, “come on I’m starving!”

As they walked in Sirius noticed many people turning to look their way. His dream girl seemed completely embarrassed by the attention but he was proud to be seen with her.

“Where’s Scarlet?” Lily asked James and Amanda. She looked around the hall

“I dunno but Sirius found his dream girl after all! Wow she’s just like he drew her!” James said looking surprised

“But isn’t she... that can’t... I mean...” Remus saw Scarlet and gasped, “Is that.... she?”

“Nice coherent phrases Remus dear.” Amanda said as she nodded

“Wow... she looks... wow that’s all I can say.” Remus said smiling

Sirius led her to an empty table at the back of the hall. Every girl seemed to be buzzing about them.

“Who the hell is she?”

“Never seen her before.”

“She’s not nearly pretty enough...”

“People are extremely opinionated now a days huh?” Scarlet muttered as she held on to Sirius’ hand tightly

“Freedom of speech can be annoying at times. Just do what I’m doing focus all your attention on me.” Sirius laughed. Scarlet grinned and shook her head. They sat down at the small table which they had to themselves. There were small menus on the silver plates. There was a short list of foods and all you had to go is say the name of the food and it appeared before your eyes.

They each chose something and began to eat in silence and looked at each other meekly. It wasn’t an awkward word silence it was more like a communication without words. Sirius was the first to break the silence, “How is it I’ve never seen you? Are you new or something?”

“I’ve been at Hogwarts since first year.” she replied softly. Sirius looked embarrassed and sad, “Don’t feel bad about not knowing me, I like to be invisible.”

“Have I ever spoken to you?” Sirius asked quietly

“Sure you have but I’m not the most approachable person.” she smiled sadly, “I was actually thinking you’d run away when you saw me.”

“I’d never run from you!” Sirius said taking her hand, “Tell me about yourself. Basic details that I don’t know like how old you are. Then you can move on to bigger details like what your fears are or your dreams.”

“It’s pretty obvious who’s in my dreams.” Scarlet smirked as Sirius laughed, “Ok what can I say about myself... I’m in 7th year but I’m not going to tell you in what house because I’m not that stupid. I’m obviously 17 going on 18. I’m Muggleborn yet I get very good marks. My fears... didn’t I ask you that question?”

“I know that’s where I got the idea from.” Sirius winked and smiled

“My biggest fear is that one day I’ll disappear of the face of the earth and no one would notice or even care. I could just randomly disappear and only two people in this room would realize it.” Scarlet shrugged trying to make it less important, “Sometimes it comes in handy it’s a lot less pressure and you see things that others don’t.”

“I’d notice... maybe not with my eyes but I’d notice here.” Sirius said pointing at his chest, “I’d be able to feel if you were gone.”

“That was...” Scarlet was lost for words. Sirius shrugged and they were quiet for a bit, “My dreams... I’d like to travel, see the world and then write about it. There’s so many places to see and I know it sounds lame but I want to expand my horizons.”

“You want to grow wings and fly.” Sirius nodded and took a sip of his Butterbeer, “I understand you.”

“I’ve been watching you and I’ve seen you like to draw. You think no one sees you but I have.” Scarlet said after a while of silence. All around them people were beginning to dance.

“I didn’t realize you’ve been watching me. Now that’s a bit scary.” Sirius mocked, Scarlet stuck her tongue out at him, “I try to draw but I’m not good at it. It’s like a hobby... I’ve sketched you several times.”

“I know... I saw.” she grinned, “So do you and your brother get along?”

“Regulus? He’s... not very bright... not like smarts but he tries to please my disturbed parents. He’s not a bad person at all but he’s stupid.” Sirius shook his head sadly, “I think he’s getting himself in some deep problems. He’s been messing around with Death Eaters.” He shrugged, “It really is his choice. So how about your family?”

“My family... its nonexistent.” she replied tensely. Her violet eyes grew cold and distant. She pulled her hand away from Sirius, “I’ll say this once, only because you told me about your family. My dad left when I was 5 because I he saw me levitate. My mum stayed a couple of months more but was frightened of me so she too left. I’ve been tossed around between relatives like a piece of unwanted luggage. Muggle social services are rude, they’ve treated me like a number.” she shrugged, “When I got my letter for Hogwarts I was staying with one of my aunts. Somehow McGonagall convinced my aunt to let me come. During holidays I get tossed around on a weekly basis. I haven’t heard from my parents at all. I don’t know if I have siblings or not. I have cousins who treat me like a leper. So there’s my little sad story all tied up with a nice self pity bow on top... Don’t even feel sorry for me because I don’t want or need pity.”

“Oh I know you don’t need pity. I honestly don’t pity you because you don’t need that.” Sirius said pushing his chair closer to her, “What you need is someone who won’t leave.”

“It’s hard to trust people Sirius. Especially when you are invisible.” she replied looking down at her hands, “Are you being serious when you say you don’t know who I am?”

“I’m always Sirius...”Sirius smiled as she rolled her eyes. He looked at her thinking as hard as she could. She reminded her of someone but he didn’t know who, “You look like someone but I just can’t put my finger on it.”

“Are you just playing with me? I mean are you trying to get in my pants?”

“You aren’t wearing any pants.” Sirius replied innocently. Scarlet shoved him slightly, “Look at me for a sec.” he looked into her eyes and knew what he had to say, “I would never hurt you. I’ve never met anyone like you before and I’m not just saying that. I’ve never been with a girl more than a month without getting bored and yet I’ve been with you since summer holidays and you’re the only thing I can think about. You did something to me, I can’t think straight... all I ever do is think about you. I count the minutes until I have to go to sleep because I know I’ll see you. I feel something for you that... I just can’t... put into words.”

“You... I...”

“That was an eloquent reply.” Sirius smiled as Scarlet blushed, “Come on, let’s dance.” he pulled her up before she could say no. The band was playing a slow song. Once they were dancing it seemed like they were alone. The stars where brightly shinning over head. It was as if they were transported back to their little clearing in the forest. They could almost hear the rushing water from the brook they knew so well.

“Tell me your name.” Sirius whispered into her ear. Holding her felt so right

“You don’t need to know my name... you know me.” Scarlet whispered

Sirius leaned forward, his stomach was full of butterflies. His heart was pounding so hard it felt like his ribs would crack. He could feel his breath on his face...

“Sirius Black!” yelped someone from behind them. Sirius turned to see Melody Stevens standing there with a scowl on her beautiful face. When Sirius turned back he saw that dream girl was gone. “Who was that?”

Sirius didn’t stay there to talk to her. He ran off looking angry, looking all around the hall. She wasn’t anywhere to be seen. He ran out to the entrance hall but she seemed to have disappeared the same way she appeared. There was no point in going back to the ball. He slowly walked back to the common room. Even if she ran off, it had defiantly been one of the best nights of his life.

She was real! It wasn’t only a dream, she was a real person and was at Hogwarts! He walked into the common room with a dreamy look on his face. He sat in front of the fire without noticing that someone else was there. After a while he turned and saw that Scarlet was curled up under a thick blanket reading, “What are you doing Garret?”

“Are you drunk or maybe stoned? Because that’s what you must be if you don’t know what I’m doing.” she replied without even lifting her eyes from the book, “It's called reading... R-E-A-D-I-N-G. You should try it sometime. Maybe it’ll get some of that fluff out of your head.”

“I meant why aren’t you at the ball?” Sirius asked rolling his eyes

“I don’t like balls... if you turn that into something dirty Black I’ll kick you.” Scarlet said rolling her eyes and scowling as Sirius laughed, “I have more interesting things to do.”

“You’re odd did you know that?” he replied sighing

“So I’ve been told but at least I don’t have a stupid look on my face.” Scarlet said still not looking up from her book. Her long dark hair was pulled up messily with one of her muggle pencils, “Did you shag someone in a broom closet or something?”

“That was charming did you know that?” Sirius laughed, “Don’t you know that gentlemen have no memory?”

“Since when are you a gentleman? Last I read in the girls toilets you were a great many things but never a gentleman.” Scarlet smirked

“Meh people change you know. Especially if they have help.” Sirius said sighing again, “I’m going to sleep. Enjoy your R-E-A-D-I-N-G time.”

“Enjoy your kinky dreams.” Scarlet said shaking her head slightly and going back to her book. She couldn’t help but smile slightly as Sirius walked away humming.

***
A/N: *sings* and they called it puppy loveeeeee ok that was lame and an uber old song...

Feedback please

Hey all I'm back again rather quickly huh? I'm so proud of myself well thanks for your feedback and for reading. This chapter is well I found it funny hehe. Thanks again to Triad for her wonderful work! I'd be lost without her!

***

Chapter 8
Two enemies having fun

“Did you spend the night there Garret?” Sirius asked as he walked into the Common Room the next day. Scarlet was in the same position but with a different book, “It's not healthy to stay up all night reading.”

“Thank you doctor for your opinion.” Scarlet replied as she flipped the page in her book, “No I didn’t spend the night here. In case you hadn’t noticed its past noon already. I’ve done what I needed to get done so I’m giving myself some quiet reading time.”

“Where is everyone?”

“They went home... winter holidays. It appears your brain has left without your body.” Scarlet snapped, “Mandy and Lupin are around but I don’t even want to know what they’re doing. Now shut up I’m trying to read.”

“You really need to work on your people skills.” Sirius said yawning, “I’m just trying to have a friendly conversation... it’s called being nice.”

“I don’t need people skills.” she replied rolling her eyes

“Why aren’t you gone?” Sirius asked then realized how the question must have sound, Scarlet glared at him, “I mean like why didn’t you go home for the holidays?”

“I don’t need to explain anything to you!” Scarlet spat as she made the couch face the other way with a flick of her wand

“It’s always a treat to talk to you Garret.” Sirius said yawning widely. A few minutes later Remus and Amanda walked in hand in hand laughing, “Oh look the love birds are making an entry.”

“Shut up.” Amanda blushed but she smiled even wider, “So Sirius the school was raving about it, who was the girl you went to the ball with? She didn’t look like anyone I know.”

“She’s the most beautiful and intelligent creature my eyes have had the privilege of beholding” Sirius said as he sighed dramatically, “To be quite honest I’ve never felt this way about anyone”

“Who is she though? What house is she in?” Remus asked grinning.

“She didn’t tell me. All she said was ‘you know me’ but I’ve been thinking and thinking and I just don’t know!” Sirius replied sadly, “Did she look familiar to either of you?”

“Hey Mandy I need to talk to you for a sec.” Scarlet got up quickly and walked over to Amanda. She took her hand and pulled her towards the girls’ dorm

“Garret is really strange sometimes.” Sirius said shaking his head, “It's a good kind of strange but there’s something about her... I dunno what it is that makes her... different.”

“She’s cool once you get the hand of her temper.” Remus replied laughing, “So when are you going to see her again?”

“Who Garret? As soon as she comes back into the common room I guess.”

“No you twit, dream girl.”

“Soon I hope.” Sirius said dreamily, “In the mean time I have to go cancel all the dates I had set up over break.” He stood up and left leaving Remus with an awed look on his face.

***
“Come on Siri babe, stay here with me. There’s a broom closet nearby.” Sirius flinched as Melody unbuttoned the top of her top. She hugged him and began to kiss his neck. He closed his eyes and backed away.

“No err Mel, I said it was over.” he said trying to look at her face and not further down, “As much as I’d enjoy the closet with you... it doesn’t feel right.”

“I can make it feel right handsome.” she replied kissing him. Sirius once again closed his eyes but this time as Melody deepened the kiss he saw the face of dream girl. He pushed Melody away. She scowled, “Who’s the other hag? Is she hotter than I am or something?”

“It's over Melanie!” Sirius said as he backed away even more but there was no where left to move. It was killing him to have to say no to such a good looking girl. Melody was the type of girls he had fun with, “Seriously babe, it was fun but it’s over”

“Can I at least have one last good bye kiss?” she asked throwing herself at him. Sirius has his eyes wide open as she kissed him. He saw Scarlet walk by them with a look of disgust painted on her face. She caught his eye for a moment then walked away.

“I said NO Melanie or Melody or whatever your bloody name is! I don’t like you ok? You were just... entertainment.” Sirius shouted as he pushed her away. He stormed off and caught up to Scarlet, “You know I’m starting to think it’s dangerous to be as hot as I am.”

“Your fly is open.” Scarlet muttered, Sirius smirked, “Why are you following me?”

“I dunno your company is entertaining. It challenges my intellect.” Sirius said stretching and yawning, “plus I know you hate me so that means you aren’t going to throw yourself at me.”

“What does that hurt your ego?” Scarlet rolled her eyes. Sirius simply shrugged, “Like I’ve said before and I will continue to say you have to be mental to fall for a Marauder. Oh and just so you know I don’t like to be in the company of filthy womanizers who say they feel something for a girl like you did this morning, then go snog some random girl.”

“I didn’t know you like to defend all women’s rights... how feminist of you...” Sirius said looking at her, “I was breaking it off with all the dates I had planned for holidays. I can’t control if they throw themselves at me. You saw I had my eyes open.”

“You don’t need to explain to me I was just informing you that I don’t like the company of womanizers.” Scarlet said shrugging

“Sure you do sunshine, you adore my company. It gives you someone to throw your poison at.” Sirius smirked and reached out to pull the pencil out of Scarlets hair. She scowled and snatched it from him, “Garret I want to be your friend.”

“I only have two friends and I think that’s enough.” she replied and began to walk even faster. Sirius laughed and continued to walk.

Sirius saw to girls waving at him happily. He nodded and walked faster, “Oh Garret! Wait up!”

***
“Garret I’m bored.” Sirius said sitting next to her in the common room. She was writing something but looked up on him with an annoyed look on her face.

“Would you like me to clap or give you a prize? Or say ‘good job Black’.” she snapped and went back to her writing, “Why didn’t you go to the Potter’s like you always do?”

“How’d you know that? Are you stalking me?”

“Of course! And I’ve also been spying on Dumbledore and Slughorn while they are locked in the broom closet.” Scarlet replied rolling her eyes. Sirius laughed, “You and Potter have been raving on and on for years about the wild crazy New Years parties at the Potters.”

“Well I dunno I didn’t want to intrude again.” Sirius shrugged, “I like staying at Hogwarts, plus I had several dates all lined up.”

“Then why am I being pestered by you? Go lock yourself in a broom closet with some airhead tart and snog the life out of her!” Scarlet said scratching her nose, “Or I know go bother Mandy and Lupin for a change!”

“I’m not in the mood of ruining Moony’s fun.” Sirius said smiling, “You know something, you’re the only one who can insult me without me going mental.”

“Then maybe I should start being nice, that might make you leave me alone.” Scarlet said as she looked up. Sirius saw she had a bit of ink on her nose but only smiled, “How about I lend you a book, that way you leave me alone.”

“Fine.” Sirius sighed. Scarlet summoned a book and threw it at him. Sirius looked at the cover of the well kept book. He began to read and found himself completely intrigued by the story. He was so into it that he didn’t even notice that Scarlet had left.

When he was finally able to lift his eyes from the book he looked down at his watch. He had spent all afternoon reading! He looked out the window and saw that the sun was beginning to set. He took out a piece of parchment and taped it, ink lines began to appear. He’d been carrying the map ever since the ball in hopes that he might notice dream girl on it. But she was forgotten at the moment. He saw Scarlet was in the Astronomy tower. He laughed and decided to go bug her. It was New Years Eve after all, he needed his fun.

He took a short cut and arrived to the stair well that led to the tower. He heard a faint musical sound. It was a piano but he had never seen a piano in the Astronomy tower. He’d know if there were one.

He crept silently up the stairs; the music was getting louder as he climbed higher. He didn’t know that Scarlet had musical abilities.

You don't know me, you don't even care, oh yeah,
She said
You don't know me, and you don't wear my chains... oh yeah,

Essential yet appealed, carry all your thoughts across
An open field,
When flowers gaze at you... they're not the only ones who cry
When they see you
You said...

You don't know me, you don't even care, oh yeah,
She said
You don't know me, and you don't wear my chains... oh yeah,

She said I think I'll go to Boston...
I think I'll start a new life,
I think I'll start it over, where no one knows my name,
I'll get out of California, I'm tired of the weather,
I think I'll get a lover and fly 'em out to Spain...
I think I'll go to Boston,
I think that I'm just tired
I think I need a new town, to leave this all behind...
I think I need a sunrise, I'm tired of the sunset

She looked up and saw Sirius standing at the door. Her already magnified eyes opened even wider and she blushed

“Black! Are you trying to make me hex you?” she said gathering the parchment she had been writing on before.

“That was really good! Did you write that?” Sirius asked walking in, “Where’d you learn to play? Where’d you get the piano?”

“Are you also going to ask where do babies come from? When did you become a bloody reporter? Merlin Black this is my private time!” Scarlet snapped. Sirius looked unmoved by her outbreak, “Yes ok I wrote this stupid song, I learned to play years ago and the piano is actually a table.”

“I didn’t mean to disrupt your private time and your song is really good... sad but good.” Sirius said leaning on the piano.

“I come up here to play even when it’s freezing, I honestly don’t feel the cold. Sunset is always a good time to come and play. Music is my life you know. When everything else sucks the only thing I know will always been just right is music. This piano is the only thing I can count on. It’s my way into a place where everything is perfect, I can control everything.” Scarlet said as she ran her fingers over the smooth keys, “I sound like an idiot and I don’t expect you to understand me.”

“Oh I understand you perfectly. I may be an arrogant dunderhead but I know what it’s like to have a passion for something.” Sirius said as he reached into his robes and pulled out a leather notebook. It was small enough to fit in his hand but as soon as he put it on the piano it enlarged, “I’m going to show you my passion only because you’re actually being nice to me for once” Scarlet rolled her eyes, “Plus you shared your music with me whether it was willingly or not. Only James has seen this.”

“If it’s bad I’m going to hex you.” Scarlet said taking the leather book in her hands. It was a sketching pad. The first few where of girls she’d seen around the school. Then there was one of a forest with a small brook running next to a small clearing, “What place is this?”

“I’d actually like to know myself.” Sirius shrugged, “I discovered before I came to Hogwarts that I could create a place of my own with the power of my quill. I understand how you feel about music because it’s the way I feel about my art.”

“These are very good.” Scarlet muttered

“Wow compliment from Scarlet Garret! I didn’t think my ego could grow anymore but I was wrong!” Sirius smirked

“Ok you’re an arrogant butt face.” Scarlet said laughing as she continued to flip through the pages. She saw a sketch of a girl. It was all in black and white except for the eyes.

“Who is she? I haven’t seen her around.” Scarlet asked sounding mildly interested, “She’s not as beautiful as the other girls but you seemed to put a lot more effort into this sketch.”

“She’s worth a lot of effort. She’s far more beautiful than the other girls.” Sirius said taking his notebook back, “She’s err... complicated.”

“As in crazy or married?” Scarlet mocked

“I hope that’s not the case.” Sirius laughed. They were quiet for a while. Scarlet began to play Moonlight Sonata quietly, “That’s that one Beethoven bloke right?”

“He was hardly a bloke but yes.”

“I know one song on the piano.” he said as he sat next to her on the piano bench. He began to play a Beatles song.

“Let it be by the Beatles... I didn’t know you were a Beatles fan.” Scarlet arched an eyebrow, “It’s a muggle band did you know that?”

“Not entirely true... John Lennon is a wizard... did you know that?” Sirius said he played effortlessly. Then he suddenly stopped, "That’s all I know”

“John Lennon is not a wizard! He’s a genius but where do you get that he’s a wizard?” Scarlet asked amused. She was trying very hard not to laugh but she couldn’t help it.

“I’m all knowing, what can I say. It’s a hard job but someone has to do it. It’s my burden to bare.” Sirius said as he looked at Scarlet who still had ink on her nose, “Its New Years Eve Garret... come do something crazy with me.”

“I don’t do crazy sorry.” Scarlet said looking at the now dark sky.

“Come on go with the flow for once. What happened to ‘I think I’ll get a lover and fly him out to Spain’?” Sirius asked smiling, Scarlet simply shrugged, “It won’t be anything bad I swea.r”

“I must seriously be losing my mind but ok.” Scarlet said getting up. She did some twirling and swishing with her wand and the piano turned back into a table, “What are we going to do?”

“You’ll see, trust me will you.” Sirius said as he picked up the table and put it back where it belonged.

“Yeah and then hell freezes over. One thing is me being stupid for once and another thing is me trusting you. I’m not stoned you know.” Scarlet said as they walked down, “Just to make this clear... this is not a date.”

“Oh that means no snogging right?” Sirius said taking the pencil from her hair again, she scowled, “It’s just enemies having fun then.”

They walked along the castle n silence. Sirius saw that Scarlet seemed impressed by his knowledge of school, “Aren’t we going to the common room first?”

“Nope you might chicken out if we do.” Sirius laughed Scarlet stuck her tongue out at him, “Honeydukes closes at 9 right?”

“I think so but wha-,”

“Just be quiet and follow.” Sirius said as he took out a piece of parchment. He looked at it carefully and grinned, “Coast is clear.” He stopped in front of a statue of a witch. He taped the hump and it opened. Scarlet was impressed, “I know I’m amazing, hot and intelligent.”

“More like thief.” Scarlet said as Sirius helped her into the hump, “What’s on the parchment?”

“If I told you, it’d mean we’re officially friends.” Sirius grinned, “And that would kill you.”

They walked for a while then the tunnel began to head up. Sirius hummed as they walked.

“Bucket of tosh you know what I forgot? If they’re closing up that means that there are hardly any people in Honeydukes which means we’ll be seen.” Sirius muttered. He hadn’t brought James’ invisibility cloak. Scarlet grinned for once. It was a good thing it was dark or Sirius would have seen that her grin was exactly like his dream girl. They walked a bit further.

“I can solve that you know.” Scarlet said as she hit Sirius on the head with her wand. Sirius felt as if someone had broken and egg on his head.

“I would have never thought of that. Plus Moony is the one who can pull that off.” Sirius said surprised.

“I know, just say it I’m brilliant.” Scarlet said mimicking Sirius voice and rolling her eyes.

“Oh you’re a comedian now.”

They walked in and out of Honeydukes quickly, once out into the cold air Scarlet laughed and shivered

“Where too now?” Scarlet asked taking the charm off. She rolled her eyes as Sirius rubbed the spot where she had hit him, “Pansy.”

“Take my hand and we’re off.” Sirius said stretching out his hand. Scarlet hesitated, “Come on Garret, you can’t get pregnant by holding my hand. I know I’m a fertile guy but that’s impossible even for me.” Scarlet put on her gloves and took his hand, “Oh because I obviously have germs.”

Before Scarlet could reply she found herself unable to speak, suddenly they appeared in front of a large fountain. There were a lot of people but no one noticed their abrupt arrival.

“Holly... are we in Spain?” Scarlet said looking around. She had seen the picture of that very same fountain and now she was standing in front of it.

***

A/N: The song is Boston by Augustana!

Feedback

Hey all I'm back after a while huh? Well here's the newest chapter! Took me a while but I think I've done a decent size chapter for you all! Thanks for sticking with me and a big thanks to Triad for her help with the beta-ing

***


Scarlet had seen this place before but only in photographs she had of the places she wanted to see. She couldn’t believe she was actually in Spain.

“W-we’re in Spain!” she repeated still looking completely shocked.

“You know I’d have taken you to Boston but I’m not very sure if I can manage transatlantic apparation just yet.” Sirius grinned as he looked at Scarlet spin around in awe, “So guess what Garret… this makes me your lover.”

“I’m in shock right now so remind me to punch you for that remark later.” Scarlet replied shaking her head slightly

“I will don’t worry. Alright señorita, let’s go have some fun.” Sirius said taking her arm and pulling her down a busy street.

“This is a stupid question Black but how is it you know your way around here?” Scarlet asked as they walked then made a turn.

“I’ve been here before… I was completely drunk at the time but I have a great memory for a drunk.” Sirius said winking as Scarlet rolled her eyes, “There is in fact a place I do recall having a lot of fun at.” They walked into a dark alley.

“So your idea of fun is coming to Spain to play with trash? Wow Black I didn’t know you were this pathetic… even I know playing in trash isn’t fun…” Scarlet said as she watched Sirius take a trash can and set it down in front of him. He blew her a kiss and she scowled, “Now if you think I’m going to fulfil some sort of kinky fantasy about shagging in a trash can you’re completely mental…”

“See they say that I think about shagging a lot but you’re beating me! I reckon you want me bad.” Sirius grinned and examined the trash bin. Scarlet kicked a bottle which hit him in the leg, “Garret shut up for a millisecond so I can concentrate! It’s been a while since I last did this.”

Scarlet scowled but was quiet and watched Sirius twirl and flick his wand around the trash bin. To her surprise it was no longer a trash bin but was melting into a motorcycle. It took him about 20 minutes to get it right but he finished and smirked cockily

“Now see this is exactly why I bought my own! Transfiguring one gives me a headache!” Sirius said as he tossed his elegant black hair out of his face. His grey eyes were sparkling with amusement as he inspected the motor bike, “Wow this one is pretty mint.”

“Is it safe? I would actually like to see the New Year thank you very much.” Scarlet said looking at the grey bike which matched the eyes of the smirking man in front of her.

“Merlin’s left shoe Garret just get on! I want to see if the place opens on holidays!” Sirius said rolling his eyes and getting on the motorcycle. Scarlet reluctantly got on behind him, “Don’t worry this is a nice place.”

“It better not be a pub.” Scarlet muttered as they drove off.

They drove down the busy streets of Madrid stopping only when Scarlet wanted to get a better look of the places. They finally arrived at a building that looked not only opened but also packed. Scarlet’s Spanish was only good enough to understand that it was an ice rink.

“Err… Black I don’t know how to skate.” Scarlet said as Sirius got off the motorcycle. He grinned at her and shook his head, “Don’t mock me.”

“I’ll teach you… it’s easy enough but first there is a reason I brought you here and its not to skate… they have a better attraction here but it’s not opened to everyone…” Sirius said mysteriously. Scarlet looked puzzled, “Do you know how to drive a muggle car?”

“Yes but wh-,”

Sirius simply took her by the arm and led her towards the back of the rink. There was a different building of the same size but it wasn’t very full. There was a man at the door who greeted Sirius enthusiastically. He led them into an ice rink; it seemed colder inside than outside.

“You are about to try Go-Karts on ice!” Sirius said as he put a helmet on Scarlet.

She had never had more fun in her life. It was a strange sensation to be going so fast on seer ice. Every time Sirius crashed he swore loudly and she’d grin. They raced several times and in the end Scarlet won.


“Come on Black don’t be a sore loser! We all know girls are better than guys.” Scarlet smirked as she tied a pair of skates that Sirius had handed him.

“I can’t believe I lost to a girl! Muggles say that girls drive worse than men!” Sirius said as he laced his skates up, “You probably cheated!”

“Or I’m better than you and you know it.” Scarlet said standing feeling suddenly tall, “Black I wasn’t joking when I said that I don’t know how to skate.”

“Well now I feel a lot better! At least I’ll see you fall several times! Whoa Garret is human! She isn’t perfect at everything!” Sirius mocked as he helped her on to the ice. She shoved him and began to stumble. Sirius took her arm and steadied her. He could have sworn that she blushed but shook his head. It took her 15 minutes to get the hang of skating. She was scared of falling but Sirius seemed to always catch her before she hit the ice.

“Ok ready for me to beat you again?” Scarlet said as she skated in a circle around Sirius. She was a quick learner. They raced but this time Sirius won after Scarlet fell for the first time that evening. Sirius helped her up taking her hands in his strong hands. Sirius had a strange feeling as he helped it but thought he was hungry.

“Let’s grab a bite to eat… I know a place.” Sirius said trying to ignore the strange feeling he had. They walked back to the motorcycle, “Now isn’t this better than scowling in the Common Room?”

"Oh wow you’re so funny… ever consider being a clown?” Scarlet said rolling her eyes. “Where are you getting the money to pay for everything?”

“Money is insubstantial.” Sirius winked. Scarlet gave him an I-don’t-buy-that look, “Fine I’ll tell you my secret… I sort of confounded my dear old friend Miguel.”

“I thought so.” Scarlet said shaking her head, “How are you going to get the food?”

“When did you become a reporter?” Sirius said mimicking Scarlet’s voice. They rode back towards where they originally arrived. There was a big plaza with what looked like a fair. It seemed to be to celebrate New Year’s. Scarlet sat down to wait for Sirius to come back with the food. She was busy looking around that when she saw Sirius come back he was holding a bag in one hand and was juggling 3 lemons in the other. She smiled as he walked and continued to juggle. A couple of little kids were pointing at him and clapping. After a couple of tricks Sirius bowed and sat next to Scarlet.

“What was that about?”

“I was seeing if I have what it takes to be a clown. I think you’re right I should consider it as an option.” Sirius said handing her the bag with food. Scarlet looked slightly worried, “What you don’t like the food? Try it.”

“Its not that I’m just thinking we should have told Mandy and Lupin we were sneaking out. She’ll worry about me.” Scarlet said as she took a bite.

“Honestly I doubt she’ll notice. Moony had something planned… probably shagging under the half moon.” Sirius shrugging, “Doesn’t your brain have an off button?”

“Nope, I don’t reckon yours has an on button right?” Scarlet said between bites, “See I actually enjoy thinking. It’s what makes us different from animals.” Sirius laughed as she slowly turned to look at him, “So wouldn’t you rather start the new year with Miss Complicated?”

“That might be a bit hard seeing as I don’t know who she really is. For all I know I could be getting played.”

“The player getting played… sounds like a book. A very ironic book.” Scarlet shrugged, “Maybe she’s just shy or something. Not everyone is as ‘out going’ as you are thank Merlin.”

“Are you seriously giving me advice on girls?” Sirius said slightly surprised

“Seeing as I’m a girl I think I might be able to.”

“Que linda pareja sois! Queréis una foto?” an elderly man said as he walked over to them.

“Wow my Spanish isn’t very good so err what did he say?” Scarlet asked bewildered

“He asked if we wanted a picture.” Sirius said smiling. He quickly took out some money, “Si señor, será un buen recuerdo para mi amiga.”

“I hate pictures!” Scarlet complained and turned her face away from the camera.

“Come on Garret! That way you can remember the night you lost your mind and did something fun for the first time in your life!”

“Decidle que se quite las gafas.” the man said grinning at them.

“You have to take your glasses off.” Sirius said as he snatched the glasses off her face without even looking at her. They both pulled as face when the man took the picture. He took a moment then handed it to them, “Gracias señor, sois muy amable.”

“Yeah err gracias amigo.” Scarlet said looking at the picture as she put it in her pocket, “That was my extent of Spanish right there… let’s go on the Ferris wheel.”

“It’s almost midnight though.” Sirius said reminding her, “They have a wicked display of fireworks… well for Muggles that is.”

“Better view from above.” Scarlet said getting up. Sirius shrugged and followed her. He was about to confound the man tending to the game but Scarlet beat him to it.

“Look at you all crazy and confounding people!”

“It’s a good day to go crazy… hell even to face a few fears.” Scarlet said as she sat on the seat which rocked back and forth.

“You have vertigo?” Sirius asked looking surprised. She nodded vigorously, “Wow I thought you were to stubborn to be scared of anything!”

“You learn something everyday right?” Scarlet muttered clenching her fists around the bar. Her eyes were snapped shut, “Everyone is scared of something.”

“Happy New Year Garret… you can open your eyes.” Sirius said laughing. She opened her eyes slowly, “Unclench the fists… come on… you can do it.”

“Happy New Year Black… oh and thanks for tonight.” Scarlet said quietly. Colours began to fill the night air announcing the start of a new year.

“So, are we friends now?” Sirius asked giving her a one armed hug

“More like known enemies.”

**

A/N: Just so you guys know Sirius doesnt know he's with Miss complicated... guys are thick

Feedback

“What did you do over the break?” James asked Sirius as they sat in the Common Room.

“Just hung around here, chilling out and relaxing... very typical break.” Sirius shrugged as he ran his fingers through his dark hair, “How was your break? Did the Potter’s have fun?”

“Well... lets just say its been the best break I’ve had in my life...” James replied grinning sheepishly just as Lily and Scarlet walked in. Before he could continue Lily walked over to him and kissed him on the lips. Both Sirius and Scarlet’s mouths where hanging open in shock.

“Best break of your life aye?” Sirius said as he burst out laughing. James blushed but grinned nodding, “Garret awe with me please!” Scarlet began to laugh and awed along with Sirius.

“Shut up you two before I’m forced to kick you both.” Lily said scowling at them as they continued to awe at her. She blushed but smiled, “Since when do you two get along so well?”

“Since the leprechauns from the land of Oz came and gave us drugged cookies, but don’t change the subject. Is there something you’d like to share with the class?” Scarlet said pushing her glasses up and sitting.

“Fine here’s the story, we saw each other in Diagon Alley before Christmas and we had a lot of fun. My mum and Lil's mum got very chummy during that time so Mum invited them for Christmas.” James explained quickly trying to look casual but they could all tell he was bursting with happiness.

“During the evening James was charming and surprisingly humble. He told me his true feelings in the sweetest way. I couldn’t help but tell him what I felt also and that I had felt that way for a while.” Lily said smiling sweetly at James. Sirius looked over at Scarlet and fell over. All three of them looked shocked.

“What’s wrong Padfoot? Are you ok?” James asked as he went over to his friend. Sirius grinned.

“I just went into a diabetic coma...” he replied laughing. James and Lily still looked slightly confused, while Scarlet started laughing.

“I don’t get it.”

“It’s because you two are so sweet.” Scarlet explained then began to awe along with Sirius.

“Har har har.” Lily said rolling her eyes. She looked around and asked, “Where’s Mandy?”

“Come to think of it I haven’t seen Moony around either.” James said looking suspicious. Scarlet stood up still laughing and motioned them to follow, “Where are we going?”

She just continued to laugh as they followed her out of the common room and down the corridors. They walked until they reached a painting of a handsome wizard. Scarlet grinned at him, blew him a kiss and winked. The wizard grinned and moved aside.

There was a small room, slightly bigger than a broom closet. The walls were white and there was a big leather couch that was occupied by two people who were tangled up and snogging.

“Oh Merlin! I think I just saw a baby being conceived! You could have warned us!” James said loudly as Remus and Amanda tried to get up as quickly as was possible but fell down instead.

“Or you could have charged for the live show.” Sirius said smirking as Amanda straightened her shirt.

“Hi... err.. how?” Remus said slightly out of breath.

“Honestly Moony I’ve never felt more proud of you before.” Sirius laughed. Both Remus and Amanda were completely red in the face, “I didn’t know you had it in you...”

“How did you know where to find us?” Amanda asked glaring at all four of them.

“See I’ve been called strange for years for taking the time to talk to the portraits and stuff but it comes in handy. One of them told me that you’ve been coming here since before Christmas.” Scarlet said smugly.

“You talk to portraits and yet you can never hold a conversation with a living human.” Sirius said rolling his eyes. “Do you know how mental you sound right now?”

“My sanity is not in question here. See my friends are the ones who are brain dead not me. I’m the only sane one in this room.” Scarlet said grinning as both Amanda and Lily gave her a shut up look.

“If this is what it feels like to be brain dead then I don’t mind,” Lily said as James wrapped his arms around her waist, “I don’t mind it one bit.”

***

“Hey loser... hey you ugly!” Scarlet heard from behind her. She continued to walk, “Four eyes.. I’m talking to you Garret!” snapped a voice from behind Scarlet She turned and just as she had expected Melody was there along with her two friends and a couple of more girls.

“What Stevens, I don’t have time for your insults right now seeing as I unlike you do study and care about my grades. How about a rain check this time.” Scarlet snapped back. She knew very well that she was out numbered but she couldn’t seem to control her temper.

“Do we need to teach you some manners Garret? It’ll be a good learning experience for you. Maybe you could even pass along the knowledge to those little friends of yours.” Melody growled. The other girls were all glaring at Scarlet, “Those friends of yours have caught themselves a couple of Marauders using their cheap and skanky ways. Don’t even think that just because they managed to do it that you’ll be able to get with our Siri.”

“I don’t want ‘your Siri’. The only bloody reason I put up with him is because my friends asked me to.” Scarlet spat as she gripped her wand even tighter.

“Don’t even think for one second that you’re good enough for him. He’d never go for and ugly thing like you.”

“That’s right because you’re exactly his type right? A no good skank with half a brain. A girl he can shag then leave.” Scarlet snarled. The girls began to cage her in. There was a girl on every side of her. Scarlet then realized there was not only girls but also two guys. Big guys to top it off, “That’s what he did to you right? He shagged you, you bored him, he left. Its easy to shag and leave a little wh-.”

Melody shot a hex at Scarlet but she dodged it and it hit the girl behind her. Everyone cast hexs and stunners at Scarlet and yet it took them longer than expected to immobolize her. As soon as she was on the floor Melody began to kick her.

“I need to teach you who’s boss around here you little freak.” Melody shrieked as she hexed Scarlet again.

“OI! Leave her alone!” Sirius yelled as he disarmed Melody. The other girls looked confused and yet the two guys looked angry. Sirius rushed over to Scarlet and released her.

“Siri darling this isn’t any of your concern.” Melody said in a sweet tone. Scarlet quickly jumped up, even though she was in a lot of pain, and began to hex everyone she could. It was Scarlet and Sirius against everyone else. They were in a heated duel until...

“WHAT IN THE NAME OF MERLIN IS GOING ON HERE?!” McGonagall yelled as she walked by. They all dropped their wands, everyone except for Scarlet and Sirius, “Someone explain what is the meaning of this!”

“They were attacking Garret and I just...”

“You two my office now! Stevens, McPheres, Iverson go to Flitwick's office; Smith, Johnson, Steele Woods, Walker, go to Slughorn's office; Harrison and Kent go to Sprouts office.” McGonagall shouted as everyone stared at her. They all remained still, “What are you waiting for? Go NOW!”

Scarlet could barely walk but she went along anyway. Sirius tired to help her but she pushed him away angrily. They walked behind McGonagall until they reached her office. She opened the door and motioned them in.

“Wait for me. Don’t even consider walking out of this door.” she snapped and walked right out.

“What happened Garret? Why did they all gang up on you?” Sirius asked as he helped an unwilling Scarlet to sit. She glared at him.

“Stevens and company love to make my life a living hell. The difference was that this time instead of just letting them walk all over me I insulted them right back. But as you could tell, because I reckon you at least know how to count, I was out numbered.” Scarlet muttered as she wrapped her arms around her stomach. Sirius could tell she was having a hard time breathing as was in a lot of pain.

“But why do they make your life hell? Did you do something to them?” Sirius asked as he reached out to wipe a trickle of blood oozing from Scarlet’s face. She flinched.

“Come on Black don’t be so dim! They do it for the same reason you didn’t know my name until this year! I’m a freaky little nobody! I’m a weird, introverted person who doesn’t matter to people. I am a walking, talking punching bag people use to make themselves feel better! I am mocked, insulted and ridiculed! I wish you would just leave me the bloody hell alone.” Scarlet screamed as she got up, “You know what the reason for their attack was today? They are mad because they think I’m hitting on you!” she glared at him as he reached out to help her sit back down, “I don’t need a person like you in my life ok? We are completely different and you know we just don’t mix. I need you to get that through your thick skull!”

“I could... I mean... I-I’m sorry...” Sirius muttered looking confused, ashamed and sad. He suddenly felt small, “I didn’t mean...”

“Of course you didn’t mean to do anything! Girls just fall for you because they are stupid and have poop for brains! But look one thing is having girls drool over you and another very different one is playing with them until, then leaving them bitter and angry to the point where they turn into modern day Othellos!” Scarlet screamed as she walked towards the door. She suddenly let out a small squeak and fell over clutching her side. Sirius ran over to her but she was out cold by then. He picked her up just as the door opened.

“Wha-”

“She needs the Hospital Wing Professor!” Sirius said urgently as he shifted Scarlet’s limp body in his arms. She wasn’t very heavy, “Those girls really messed her up.”

Madam Pomfrey made him wait outside while she worked on her. As he waited Scarlet’s word were ringing in his head. That is why dream girl ran off, she was scared of him because he hurt girls. That is what he always did, he hurt them and left. He felt completely overwhelmed by emotions. Scarlet was hurt because of him. He didn’t want anything to happen to her...

“Mr. Black”, Madam Pomfrey interrupted his thoughts, his head snapped towards her, “She’s going to be fine. She’s resting right now. Why don’t you come back in a couple of hours?”

“Why can’t I see her now? Just for a second and I’ll come back late.r” Sirius said pleadingly. She hesitated but nodded.

He walked in and saw Scarlet looking very pale but fast asleep. Her dark hair was neatly resting against the pillow. The contrast between the colour of her hair and her face made her look even more pale. He sat next to her and touched her face lightly.

“I’m sorry Scarlet, I’m really, truly sorry.” Sirius whispered without knowing if she could hear him. He took her hand and kissed it gently. Her hand was so soft and warm. Her skin smelt oddly familiar to him...

“Come back later Mr. Black.” Madam Pomfrey said softly but firm. Sirius stood up, kissed Scarlet’s forehead softly and walked out.

He couldn’t go back to the Common Room, his head was too full. He just walked without knowing where he was going. He didn’t seem to realize where his feet were taking him. Before he knew it, he was at the stair well to the Astronomy tower. He wished he could hear Scarlet playing her piano passionately like before. He reached the top of the tower just as the sun was setting. He turned the table into a piano, not as great as the one Scarlet played, but it was a piano. He messed around with keys trying to create something. He felt mad, sad, frustrated, outraged, guilty and very small. He couldn’t even think straight.

Suddenly he changed the piano back into a table and took out his sketch book. His quill had a life of its own.

***
“Hi.” Sirius said as he walked into the Hospital Wing. Scarlet looked both angry and embarrassed, “How are you feeling?”

“Never better, I feel like getting up and dancing all along the corridors with Peeves. Then I might even go wrestle the Giant Squid.” Scarlet said rolling her eyes. Sirius grinned.

“So you’re doing better now. You can’t be badly hurt if your sarcasm is back.” Sirius said as he sat on the foot of her bed, “Look Garret I’m really sorry. You were right...”

“I know I’m right but I didn’t have to be such hag about it.” Scarlet said sighing, “It’s not your fault those girls are crazy.”

“It’s my charm, once you’ve had some of me you just want more and more! It can drive just about anyone crazy.” Sirius said grinning, “Once you’ve had Black, you just never go back.” Scarlet snorted

“I think your ego needs it’s own postal code.” she replied shaking her head. They were quiet for a while, “So Madam Pomfrey said that she had to force you to leave.”

“I’m not made of stone Garret, I know I look like the statue of a Greek god but I am human. I was really worried about you. I... I don’t want anything bad to happen to you.” Sirius said looking awkward.

“Don’t go getting all sentimental on me Black.” Scarlet said smiling slightly, “It might ruin your reputation... and we wouldn’t want that now would we.”

“You’re so charming...” just then Professor McGonagall walked in followed closely by Lily and James.

“How are you feeling Miss Garret?” she asked curtly

“I’ll live.” Scarlet shrugged. A thin smile formed on Professor McGonagall’s lips.

“You both know that duelling is not allowed. It’s against the rules no matter what.” she said reproachfully, “Though you didn’t start it, you formed a part of the ruckus. You have detention with Professor Slughorn next Saturday at 7pm.” she nodded as both Sirius and Scarlet shrugged, “That’s all. Feel better Miss Garret. Don’t stay here to late Mr. Black unless you want another detention.”

“Why didn’t you tell us Scarlet was up here you twit!” Lily snapped at Sirius when Professor McGonagall was gone, “We had to find out through McGonagall when she came looking for you!”

“She said it happened hours ago! Where were you mate?!” James said with an annoyed tone.

“Calm your farm you two. I’m ok.” Scarlet replied calmly, “Black was just being his forgetful self. Cut him a break.”

“I had a lot on my mind to be honest. I was about to go tell you...” Sirius said grinning innocently

“What happened? McGonagall said that Stevens, McPheres and Iverson were messing with you again.” Lily said scowling and swearing under her breath. Scarlet told them what happened letting them all swear at the appropriate time, “Stupid, filthy broom head! If she’d tried that on her own, or hell if she had tried that just with her two cronies you’d have wiped them out.”

“Ten against one isn’t a fair odd.” James said shaking his head.

“You should have seen her though. She got Stevens with a good one! It was classic really. I guess Flitwick must have sorted her out thoug.h” Sirius said making a face. “It’s true she’s a vile hag but boy is she hot.”

“You’re a disgusting pig Sirius.” Lily said rolling her eyes.

“Visiting hours are over. Miss Garret needs to rest if she wants to be out of here by tomorrow.” Madam Pomfrey said sternly.

“I’ll come by tomorrow to annoy you Garret.” Sirius said getting up and smirking at her. Scarlet rolled her eyes and shook her head, “Oh here before I forget. This will amuse you” Sirius said handing her a page from his sketch book.

James and Sirius walked out to wait for Lily. A bit afterwards Lily came out laughing.

“What’s so funny love?” James asked as he took her hand.

“Scarlet is funny even when she’s hurt.” Lily said shaking her head, “Hey Sirius, what does ‘here’s the sunrise you wanted’ mean?”

“She showed you?” Sirius asked surprised and slightly embarrassed.

“No I caught a glimpse of it as I walked out. What does it mean?”

“It’s a code between two enemies”. Sirius winked. They walked in silence until he asked, “Hey Lily... err... who’s Othello?”

***

A/N: I'm back again! Again I took forever but life gets in the way of creative skills! Never the less I managed a chapter which to be honest amused me quite a bit. So I think this story is going to end in a few chapters. I did tell you all that it wasn't going to be very long but never the less there is still more fun to come. A big big thanks to my amazing beta Triad who has the difficult task of making my writtings coherent . So enjoy!
Feedback please!

A/N: This chapter is dedicated to a Sirius that annoyed my life for years. He annoyed me and charmed me at the same time though I never admitted it to his face. Part of my inspiration for Sirius comes from him and now is in a better place. For you Chris... you'll aways be my idiot



Sirius sat on his usual rock looking at the night sky. The twinkling stars made him think of how many things he had taken for granted before. He was waiting patiently for her knowing that dream girl was soon to arrive but his mind kept thinking of someone else. He was confused on why he kept thinking about Scarlet. He knew for a fact that he didn’t have a chance in hell with her, she didn’t even consider him her friend and yet that didn’t seem to stop him. He’d been spending more and more time with her and noticed he felt something.... but dream girl was... she was just something else. There was a special connection. Something deeper.

“You look concerned.” A sweet melodic voice said from behind him. He looked up and saw her like always. She was beautiful, her skin glowing under the moonlight. “Are you alright?”

“I really need to see you.” Sirius said as he got up and hugged her. Her scent was so familiar and yet he couldn’t think of that, “Please, I need to see you again. I’m going insane”.

“You see me every night. You’re looking at me right now,” she replied softly her delicate arms around him.

“I need to be reminded that you’re real. I need to know that you’re not just this perfect figment of my imagination. I’m beginning to question my sanity yet again.” Sirius said as he kissed the top of her head. She looked up at him, there was fear in those violet eyes, “I swear on whatever higher power exists that I won’t hurt you. I’ve changed so much. I want to prove to you that I’m different. Meet me at the Astronomy tower at sunset... no wait a friend uses that. Meet me at the entrance hall at sunset on Friday.”

“Sirius I don’t think-”

“That’s the spirit, no thinking just acting.” Sirius said kissing her forehead gently. She shook her head but smiled, “Please...”

“Fine, Friday at sunset.”

“Padfoot are you ok?” James asked shaking him slightly. Sirius woke with a start. He was drenched in sweat. He felt feverish and slightly nauseous but was smiling, “You don’t look so well.”

“I’m going to see her again. Friday at sunset.” Sirius said as he shivered. He looked very pale, James thought that he was going to pass out.

“These dreams are affecting you more than you know mate, just look at yourself.” James said looking worried. He touched his friend’s forehead, “You’re burning up! You should go to the Hospital Wing.”

“I’m fine, I just need to hop in the shower.” Sirius said as he tried to get up but stumbled. James steadied him and helped him to the bathroom, “I get to see her again Prongs! She’s real and I get to see her!”

“Yes you get to see her but is she who she’s pretending to be?” James muttered

***
“What’s this I hear about you having a date with dream girl?” Remus asked Sirius on their way to the Great Hall. Sirius beamed.

“Yeah tomorrow at sunset. Its all set.” Sirius said happily, “Prongs reckons that she’s the product of dark magic or something. I know she can’t be evil, nothing as pure as these dreams can be evil.”

“I agree, I highly doubt there’s dark magic behind these dreams.” Remus said grinning smugly, “Do you have any idea on who she might be?”

“Nope, the only thing I know for sure is that she seems so familiar to me. She reminds me so much of someone but I just can’t put my finger on it.” Sirius said shaking his head. He looked tired which was normal for him now a days. A couple of giggling 6th years walked by blowing kisses at him. He didn’t even notice them, he just sighed looking troubled, “ The thing is Moony, things have gotten a lot more complicated than I had anticipated.”

“How so?”

“I dunno how to say this...”

“Padfoot my friend, its me.” Remus said patting his friend’s shoulder.

“I think.. I maybe.... I dunno its a possibility...”

“Just spit it out! Its not to hard to string a couple of words together mate”.

“ImighthavefeelingsforGarret.” Sirius muttered under his breath.

“What?”

“I said ImighthavefeelingsforGarret.” Sirius muttered a bit louder this time. Remus scratched his head still not understanding what Sirius said. Sirius gave him an exasperated look.

“I might have feelings for Garret!” he said loudly just as everyone around them was quiet. They all stared at him. Sirius glared at everyone and they went about their usual business, “That does not happen in real life... what’s so funny? Why are you laughing?!” Remus was laughing uncontrollably, “I didn’t tell you so you’d mock me! This isn’t funny!”

“B-but it i-is... h-hilarious!” Remus replied as he continued to laugh. Sirius looked at his friend curiously and then began to laugh along with him. He didn’t understand why he was laughing but he was.

Sirius had heard that laughter was contagious but he never knew just how much.

“Merlin’s mustache Remus breathe!” Amanda said when Remus sat down next to her at the table. He was laughing so hard he fell out of his seat. The entire Gryffindor table erupted into laughter. Soon the Hufflepuff table followed along with the Ravenclaws. Everyone in the Great Hall was laughing.

“Why were you laughing so much?” Lily asked when everyone began to calm down. She wiped tears from her eyes. Remus side was aching but he was still chuckling.

“I dunno really. Its just, life is funny and ironic at times.” he replied holding his side. He shot a glance at Sirius and Scarlet who were still laughing together, “Truly ironic.”

***

“Hey Scarlet hold on a sec.” Remus said running up to her in the common room. Scarlet looked at him intrigued. They were at the foot of the girls tower. “I need to tell you something.”

“Well then say it because I don’t have all day. I have to finish an essay-”

“Tell him the truth.” Remus cut her off. Scarlet blushed slightly but looked angry, “Tell him the truth tomorrow or I’ll tell him.”

“Lupin this isn’t your business! Don’t meddle in other’s lives!” Scarlet whispered angrily, “I’ll tell him when the time is right.”

“Fine you have a week to find when the time is right.” Remus said ignoring Scarlet’s snarl, “I’m done letting him wonder about this. I don’t understand the connection you two have but its starting to make him sick.”

“What’s wrong with him?”

“He’s been running fevers, looking tired all the time, he’s not as coordinated as he always is.” Remus said looking into the fake blue eyes. There was a world of concern in them. “He’s in love with you did you know that?”

“I-I... n-not love.”

“Yes love. Not only with dream you but all of you! Face the facts Scarlet, you’ve been spending most of your waking time together and still you guys spend you dream time together. How about you grow a pair and tell him.” Remus said patting her shoulder lightly, “It’ll be ok I promise”.

“How can you possibly know that? You’re not a bloody seer! You can’t know for sure. You don’t even know anything about...”

“I may not know everything and I know I’m not a seer. I’m something else but definitely not a seer. But I see the way he looks at you, I hear the way he talks about both dream you and everyday you, I see the look he gets when someone mentions you. He hasn’t been out with any girl that isn’t you since before Christmas.” Remus said smiling as he saw how his words were affecting her, “You tell him or I will. It’s time to pay the piper.”

***

Sirius walked out on to the grounds carrying a blanket and a basket. He had a smile on his face as he headed towards the lake. He suddenly turned and walked like if he was going into the forest. Instead of going in he stayed close to the lake. There was a small clearing that was hidden. No one would be able to see them unless they knew where to look. It had a beautiful view of the sparkling lake. He quickly set things up perfectly and walked back to wait for her.

The sun was beginning to set and she was no where to be seen. Fear began to rear its ugly head yet again. What if James was right about her? What if someone was just playing with his mind? All the ‘what ifs’ began to cloud his mind.

“Why the long face Sirius? Do you not want to see me?” said the voice he was waiting to hear. He turned and grinned.

“I thought maybe you had forgotten or something.”

“Haven’t you ever heard of being fashionably late?”

“I’m so glad to...” Sirius took her in his arms. As he embraced her he ran his fingers through her dark silky hair, “Lets go.”

“Where?”

“Trust me.” Sirius said taking her hand and walking towards the lake.

“I’m not jumping in the lake.” she said with a bit of nervousness in her voice as she looked down at her dress. Sirius couldn’t help but grin.

“You take all the fun out of life... well for me that is.” They continued to walk a bit into the forest then out again. “Here we are. I figured we’d need somewhere private, plus this place has an amazing view.”

“You’re right, this view is breath taking! I had never been here before.” she said as she sat down, “So how many girls have you brought here?”

“You really think I still go out with any girl that crosses my path?” Sirius said looking sad. She took his hand and smiled.

“I’m sorry it’s just... I told you before, it’s hard to trust you after all I’ve seen through the years.” she looked away, “But let’s talk about happier topics.”

“Rainbows and puppies...” Sirius said quietly smiling absentmindedly. She looked at him startled, “Sorry its just a... friend says that whenever I suggest we talk about happier topics. She says rainbows and puppies.”

“Interesting...”

They sat by the lake talking and laughing well into the night. Before they realized it was midnight.

“As much as I’d love to stay here all night with you, it’s getting late and my dorm mates will start to wonder where I am.” she muttered. Her head was resting on Sirius’ shoulder.

“Are you ever going to tell me who you are? Don’t tell me your a dude because I think I might drown myself.”

“No I’m not a ‘dude.'” she laughed. They stared at each other for a bit. There was both anticipation and fear in her eyes. He touched her face lightly and leaned in, he closed his eyes and he saw Scarlet’s face vividly in his mind. His eyes snapped open and he backed away. “What’s wrong? Don’t you want to kiss me?”

“Of course I do... I just... I want to respect you. I want to treat you better than any other girl I’ve ever dated. You’re special and deserve to be treated with respect.” Sirius said bewildered She smiled at him and nodded.

“You’ve got to give me a head start back.” she said getting up. Sirius grinned and nodded. He stood up quickly and she hugged him tightly, he liked the warm feeling that filled him when she was near. “Until we meet again... I’ll be watching you.”

“That sounds so stalker like and yet... I’m not scared.” Sirius said as she walked back. He sat back down and stared out at the lake.

Why did he see Scarlet’s face when he was about to kiss dream girl? Why was he thinking about Scarlet so often?

“I can’t fall for her! I’ve already got the girl I want!” Sirius muttered furiously at himself, “But what if James is right? What if the girl of my dreams is more like the girl of my nightmares?” Sirius stood up and picked up everything.

He walked up slowly to the Common Room, knowing that if he was caught he’d have a months worth of detention at least and yet he didn’t care.

“Black it’s past curfew and you’re barely getting in?” Scarlet said from in front of the fireplace. She was sitting with a blanket draped over her shoulders, her transfiguration book next to her and a long essay on her lap. Like usual she had some ink under her eye. Sirius grinned and went to go sit next to her. “I saw you from the tower. You were walking into the forest with a girl.”

“I didn’t think that anyone saw!" Sirius replied timidly, “Garret do you believe in destiny?”

“That’s a question with too many answers.” Scarlet sighed as she began to roll up her parchment, “I think we all control most of what happens in our lives. Not everything can be controlled no matter how hard we try but most of what happens we do have some say in it.”

“Do you believe in soul mates? I mean are we destined to be with one person?” Sirius asked looking directly at Scarlet. Her hair was as messy as usual and her glasses were lopsided. Yet she had a certain air of beauty that had Sirius impressed

“I dunno Black. I don’t think anyone could actually answer that properly at our age. We haven’t lived enough I suppose.” Scarlet shrugged as she put her book back in her bag, “Is your head hurting? All these philosophical questions are bound to make your head hurt. Your brain isn’t used to so many thoughts.”

“Are you saying you don’t believe in soul mates?” Sirius asked looking surprised.

“It doesn’t really matter what I believe or not. Its really something that each individual has to figure out.” Scarlet replied avoiding Sirius’ eyes, “In all honesty I’m not sure if I know what love is. I know what it means and yet I don’t know what it is. Gah you could tell its late, I’m rambling. Lets leave these in depth conversations for an earlier hour.”

“You’re right...” Sirius sighed deeply, “Garret I want to run something by you before you go.”

“Go ahead”

“You know what... never mind. It’ll be a surprise. Meet me up at the tower at dawn.” Sirius grinned. Scarlet looked puzzled, “I know it’s just a few hours away but I swear you’ll enjoy it.”

“Err... tell me what you have in mind.” Scarlet said looking amused yet distrustful as usual.

“Just wait and see. At 5 a.m. the Astronomy Tower. No wait... you’ll end up getting caught. Just meet me here. We’ll go up together.” Sirius stretched his hand out to wipe the ink off her cheek. She shot up as if his fingers had sent a bolt of electricity through her, “You had ink on your cheek.”

“Ok, 5 a.m. down here. I’m going to sleep for a bit then.” Scarlet said running off. Sirius felt more confused than before. He felt excited at the thought of meeting Scarlet. He’d gained her trust and somehow he felt the same kin of warmth as when he was with dream girl. He was missing something and yet he was too sleepy to think.

He stood up slowly and walked up to his dorm. He had a great plan, he was going to help Scarlet get some payback... and it wasn’t going to be pretty.

Feedback

“You suck did you know that?” Scarlet muttered as she walked down the stairs. She had her eyes closed and her glasses were lopsided. Sirius grinned and her, “I hate you... with all the passion of hell.”

“Well at least you’re passionate about it right? Here you’ll hate me a little bit less after this.” Sirius said handing her a cup of hot chocolate, “Extra chocolate just like you like it.”

“How do you know I add more chocolate?” Scarlet asked after her second sip. Sirius shrugged, “Ok where are we going evil person who wakes poor girls up before the sun is even considering rising.”

“You’re so talkative in the morning. Can’t tell you here Garret. The walls have ears.” Sirius said as he grabbed a pack. He then pulled Scarlet closer to him. Her eyes opened up widely. Sirius then threw over them a silvery cloak, “I’m not trying to make a move on you Garret, don’t worry.”

“Well thats good to know but where did you get one of these! They are pretty rare... and of such nice quality,” Scarlet said as she continued to sip her chocolate. They walked towards the Astronomy tower.

“I’d love to tell you but... ok I don’t have a good reason not to tell you.” Sirius laughed. Scarlet rolled her eyes, “It’s James’, it’s been in his family for centuries. His dad gave it to him when he came to Hogwarts or some tosh like that.”

“Ok so why do you have me up here so early? What couldn’t wait until a nicer hour?” Scarlet asked when they finally reached the tower. She shivered slightly in the cool morning air.

“I’ve been thinking-”

“That’s quite an achievement for you. I’m honestly very proud.”

“Oh you’re funny. Don’t interrupt please.” Sirius said rolling his eyes. Scarlet nodded, “I’ve been racking my brain trying to remember how many times I’ve seen Stevens, Iverson and McPheres be cruel to you. I didn’t really pay attention before but now that I do, I’m sorry I didn’t do anything to stop them.” Sirius looked at her with guilt. She didn’t meet his eyes and simply shrugged.

“What does that have to do with the fact that I’m being deprived of sleeping hours?” Scarlet muttered.

“Well I think you deserve some kind of pay back... Marauder pay back to be honest.” Sirius grinned, he summoned a table and took out his potions kit. “I figured you and Evans have always been the best at potions so between you and I we can pull off a good prank!”

“A potion for what? How are we even going to get into their dorm?” Scarlet said curiously. She was fighting back a grin. Sirius filled her in on his plan, “Wow that sounds great but I know of an even better potion though. Do you have your potions book?” Sirius handed the book to her, “Look page 101 has the one we can use instead.”

“Wow Garret, you’re a natural born prankster!” Sirius said grinning at her, “I might have to recruit you for the Marauders.”

“Nah that would mean that you’re going to give me a silly name like ‘frosty paw’ or something and honestly I’m not big on nicknames.” Scarlet smirked. Sirius noticed that she had dimples, “Come on Black this potion isn’t going to make itself and it takes about 30 minutes to brew.”

“Aye, aye captain”.

“In the meantime you can explain to me what your silly nicknames mean. I’ve always wondered what they mean.” Scarlet said as she transfigured her hot chocolate cup into a cauldron.

“I can’t, if it was only about me I’d tell you but it also my friend’s business so I can’t. There is a logical reason I assure you.” Sirius grinned. Scarlet rolled her eyes, “You know I don’t really know much about your life.”

“Not many people do. Hand me the monkey toe nail.” Scarlet said working swiftly, “I’m not a very open person per say. I’m just... shy really.”

“Right, if you’re shy then I’m gay!” Sirius snorted

“I always suspected you were.”

“You know your problem is that you’re guarded. I’d even be so bold to say that you’re scared.”

“When did you become a psychologist?” Scarlet asked as she flung some frog spawn at him, “You have a brother here no?”

“Regulus.” Sirius shrugged, “My parents have him brain washed. He’s a good kid in a way but has no back bone. He just does what mummy wants.” Sirius shook his head, “Do you have siblings?”

“Not that I know of but then again you never know. Come on less chit chat and more work.” Scarlet said as orange vapor began to come out of the cauldron. They finished the potion a small while later, “Ok another question do you know the password to the Ravenclaw common room?”

“We don’t need one.” Sirius grinned as he finished putting everything away. Scarlet looked intrigued, “You’ll see. Oh there’s just one thing though, you’re going to have to go up alone.”

“That’s true, you can’t be trusted near voluptuous sleeping girls.” Scarlet grinned, Sirius just shrugged.

“Come on smart mouth.” Sirius said as he covered them with the cloak. They walked down carefully, stopping only at a broom closet to leave Sirius’ pack. They walked swiftly to the Ravenclaw tower, “Remember her shampoo is in a sparkly fuschia bottle... don’t ask how I know”.

“Oh I know how you know. Black I’m pretty smart you know.” Scarlet smirked. They arrived at the tower where an eagle’s head asked them a question.

“If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" asked the eagle head.

Scarlet laughed crazily, “This is what they have to answer to get into their Common Room?” Sirius nodded.

“Do you know the answer?”

“Well this has been debated for years among Muggle philosophers. The actual sound does exist because by falling it makes sound waves but there is no one to receive them. But there are sound waves.” Scarlet replied shrugging.

“Reasonable reply.” the eagle said and the door opened.

“Ok Garret take the cloak and I’ll wait for you down here.” Sirius said getting out from under the cloak.

“So what about you? What if someone comes down here?” Scarlet asked smiling knowing Sirius couldn’t see her. He grinned

“Showing concern for me Garret? I’m touched you care. Don’t even try to deny it because I could hear the smiling in your voice.” Sirius winked. Scarlet scowled, “ Now go on, I can take care of myself.”

Sirius heard light footsteps and then there was silence. He looked around and began to walk around. He laughed as he remembered the times he and James had been in there pulling a prank on the Ravenclaw Quidditch team. It seemed slightly strange to be there pulling a prank with someone else. He felt he was missing something but he didn’t know what. After a few minutes he heard movements nearby. He ran and hid behind the statue of Rowena Ravenclaw the house founder.

“Why are we up so early Melody.” muttered a sleepy voice, “Why couldn’t you just tell us up in the dorm?”

“I saw something last night. Something I have to tell my dear Siri. I need you two to help me out but I didn’t want the other two blabber mouths to find out.” Melody said anxiously, “I’ll explain everything after we get ready.”

“Then why bring us down here just to say that?” muttered another sleepy voice.

“I forgot my slippers down here and I didn’t want to come down alone.” Melody muttered as she walked towards one of the couches, “Stop complaining.”

Sirius heard them walk up. He hoped Scarlet could get out fast enough.

“That was close wasn’t it?” Scarlet’s voice came from no where. She pulled Sirius under the cloak.

“Wow I was starting to think you’d get caught. Lets go.” Sirius said steering her towards the door. “How long until the potion starts working?”

“Three hours after they put it on. I figured it’d be funnier to make it public.” Scarlet laughed.

“Evil Garret! I’m so proud!” Sirius laughed too. He gave her a one armed hug which made him feel something in the pit of his stomach, “Lets go back to the common room.”

Once they were in the safety of the Gryffindor tower they burst out laughing. They sat on the couches laughing until their sides hurt.

“I have to go shower so I can go get an ‘early’ breakfast.” Scarlet said as she wiped tears from her eyes. She stood up and walked towards the stairs. Before she got there she turned, “Thanks Sirius for doing this. It was really... thanks.”

“Don’t mention it Scarlet.” Sirius replied shocked as he heard his name coming from Scarlet.

***
“You two are up early, usually I have to drag you out of bed on Saturdays”. James said as he and Lily sat down for breakfast. They were closely followed by Amanda and Remus.

“Dear Merlin! If I wake up early its bad, if I don’t wake up early its bad! There is just no pleasing you people! What do you want from me?!” Sirius said dramatically as he grabbed a chocolate muffin.

“How’d it go last night Padfoot?” Remus asked trying very hard not to look over at Scarlet. “I’m assuming it went well because I heard you come in at 1 a.m.”

“It went fine. Don’t be nosey Moony! Mandy control your man.” Sirius smirked and made a whipping noise.

“Ok someone has to explain why you two are sitting together without killing each other with comments filled with disdain and why you keep looking at your watch... wait!” James said looking at Sirius who had a grin on his face, “You only get that look when you’ve shagged a very fine...” Lily elbowed him, “I mean a very yucky girl or when you’ve just pulled an amazing prank. Seeing as you haven’t shagged anyone lately I’m guessing...”

There were 3 high pitched screams coming from the Ravenclaw table. They were then followed by a roar of laughter. Three girls got up screaming holding what looked like wigs in their hands. They were completely bald. Big tears were streaming down their faces as everyone continued to laugh at them. Their faces turned a nice shade of pink which began to travel to their head.

“Shut up! It’s not funny!” screamed Melody as she and her friends stared at the hair in their hands with disbelief. Scarlet was near tears she was laughing so hard. Melody turned to look at her and ran towards her, “IT WAS YOU!”

“I dunno what you’re talking about... I guess you really did have hair instead of brain... and now you have neither!” Scarlet gasped for air. She was enjoying every second of this. Everyone that heard was laughing even louder

“YOU DID THIS! YOU DID THIS BECAUSE I AM GOING TO TELL SIRI YOUR SECRET!” Melody shrieked. That wiped the smile right off of Scarlet’s face, “I OVER HEARD HIM AND LUPIN! I KNOW WHO HE WENT TO THE BALL WITH! I KNOW WHO HIS ‘DREAM GIRL’ IS! TELL HIM YOU IMPOSTOR!”

“Scarlet what is she talking about?” Sirius turned to look at Scarlet. Everyone was staring at them.

“She’s crazy... barking mad.” Scarlet muttered as colour began to rise on her face.

“WHY DID YOU CHANGE YOUR-”

“Silencio!” Scarlet screamed pointing her want at Melody.

“What’s going on here? Miss Garret what is the meaning of this?” Professor McGonagall asked looking at the hair in Melody’s hand.

“I shut her up!” Scarlet snapped and ran off.

“What happened here? Are these girls transfer students or are they setting a trend?” Professor Dumbledore asked as he approached laughing. Sirius snapped out of the trance he had been in.

“Someone must have played a mean prank on them. I’ll walk them up to the Hospital Wing Professor.” Sirius said taking Melody’s arm. Her friends followed obediently. Once out of the Great Hall Sirius reversed the silencing charm, “What do you know.”

“Garret is the girl you met up with last night. I saw her. No matter what she does to her hair she still has the same ugly violet eyes, those aren’t so common.” Melody said between sobs, “I-I was going to show you proof. Here.” she handed him a vile with a long dark hair, “Use Polyjuice potion and you’ll know I’m not lying.”

Sirius stood staring at the hair in his hand. How could he have been so blind? How did he not see it before? But the eyes were different, he told him self. He walked down to the dungeons. Slughorn was still at breakfast. He broke into his office and searched until he found a small cauldron full of Polyjuice potion. He took a cup full and walked out.

“Padfoot where were you?” James asked running up to him in the hall, “What’s that?”

“I need to know Prongs. I need to know for sure.” Sirius muttered as he walked into the prefects bathroom.

***
A/N: You know that is where I felt the need end it! I know I'm lame trying to make you mad but I enjoy that. So ok this is one of the last chapters. Only like 3 or 4 left! Ok so how do you think Sirius is going to react? How about Scarlet? It is finally the moment of the truth! This chapter is dedicated to all of the girls who made my life hell all my life. Its what I would do to them if I had magic .

Thanks everyone for reading and for your amazing feedback! I love reading it!

Feedback pretty please

Chapter 13
"Truth reveled"

Sirius stood in front of the mirror. His eyes seemed somewhat unfocused as if he hadn’t made up his mind. Suddenly he took the hair from the vile and dropped it into the cup of Polyjuice potion. The liquid that was murky brown turned a shocking shade of violet. He took only a tiny sip. It’d give him only a few minutes. He felt how his body began to shift and change. He began to shrink, James turned around looking sick. He knew he must look disgusting but couldn’t bring himself to look in the mirror yet. He tried to ignore the sounds and the feeling. He was used to his body changing from human to dog but this was a whole new experience for him.

When it was all over he stood up straight feeling how his clothes were a lot larger on him. He stared down at his pale hands. His now slender and delicate hands were shaking. His new eyes had very bad vision. Everything was blurry to him. Sirius leaned in to see himself in the mirror and was surprised to see a pair of violet eyes staring back. He reached up to tuck a his new long dark hair back. His face though blurry was exactly the face he knew so well. Melody had been right, the girl he had searched for all these months had been right in front of him. He ran his hand over the full lips which were partly opened due to the shock of it all. Sirius forced himself to smile slightly and sure enough there were the dimples he loved so much.

He was Scarlet. Scarlet was his dream girl. She’d known about this for months now and hadn't said a single word. She’d pretended to be oblivious to the situation when really she knew very well what was going on. How had he been so blind? Why didn’t he see it before? The smell, the voice, the feeling, they were all the same!

That is why Scarlet was so aggressive with him, because she had seen him with so many girls that she didn’t want to be hurt. He wasn’t in love with two different people, they were one but he hadn't realized it. What was he supposed to do? Sit back and forget that she’d lied to him? He touched the long silky hair. It was his fault not hers. He should have known it was Scarlet.

“Prongs what colour are my eyes?” Sirius said turning towards James. His voice was soft and melodic. James was gaping at him. His hazel eyes wide with shock. His hand went directly to his hair.

“Oh dear Godric they... they’re violet mate. Y-you’re Scarlet!” James said in awe. Sirius suddenly grinned, “Wait why are you so happy?”

“Because believe it or not this is exactly what I had been wishing. I thought I was going to go crazy!” Sirius still in a voice he know recognized perfectly. “I should have figured it out sooner! It was the same feeling of safety and comfort with both of them!”

“Ok mate hold on one second because I’m missing something. You and Scarlet hate each other! Why would you be happy about this if you are always at each others throats?” James reminded him. He looked at Sirius and remembered the way he was looking at Scarlet this past few days. "You were having feelings for Scarlet also! That is why you’re so thrilled that they are the same person because now there is no conflict!”

“You’re missing something really important. I don’t just have feelings for Scarlet... I L word her Prongsie!” Sirius said looking slightly shocked. He began to change back to himself as he pondered on what he had just said. He had been avoiding the “L” word for 18 years now, “Do you have the map with you?”

“Yeah thats how I found you!” James said excitedly, “Padfoot... I think I just saw you grow up!” Sirius took the map from him and scanned it quickly. Most of the little dots were still in the Great Hall which made things easier for him. She wasn’t in her dorm, she wasn’t in the Astronomy Tower. He looked around for a moment until he saw her. He handed the map to James and ran out, “Good luck mate! You’ll need it...”

He ran as fast as his legs carried him. Several people stared at him as he ran by. Once out on the grounds he ran down the same path he had taken the previous evening. He saw Scarlet sitting there staring out at the lake. Her head was rested on her knees, he could tell tears where streaming down her pale face. She turned towards him all of a sudden.

“Are you here to mock me?” Scarlet said looking away again towards the lake, “Because if you are don’t bother I can take care of that myself”.

“Garret... Scarlet... I-I’m not here to mock you” Sirius said walking over towards her. He sat down next to her, “Why did you lie to me?”

“I didn’t lie.”

“You didn’t tell me, thats a lie.”

“What and risk you laughing in my face? No thank you.” Scarlet looked down, “I tried to give you hints, you don’t know me and you don’t even care.’” she sighed sadly, “I was invisible to you.”

“Not invisible but... I’d have never laughed in your face! H-How was I supposed to understand your hints if you kept pushing me away?” Sirius felt a flare of anger surge. Scarlet finally looked up and glared at him.

“How was I supposed to let you get near me when you’ve shagged almost all of the girls I know? I’m not an idiot Black I wasn’t going to do that!”

“I know I was a foul git, I get it! But I’ve changed you know, you’ve changed me.” Sirius said after a while. Her words had confirmed what he had thought. She hadn't told him because she was scared. “Not only in my dreams but also in waking life.” he reached out to touch her face, “You know why I didn’t kiss you last night? Dream you I mean... I saw Scarlet Garret’s face when I closed my eyes and I longed to kiss her.”

“I’m supposed to believe that Black? What are you playing at?!” Scarlet snapped getting up, “I’m not falling for this! No way am I this stupid!”

“Wait-”

“You’re not going to play with me! Bloody hell you didn’t even know my name until Lupin told you after you ran into me on the train! I knew who I was dreaming with, who doesn’t know who ‘the great’ Sirius Black. But no one knows who Scarlet Garret is! I’m a nobody! I’ve long accepted that fact but now you want me to believe that Sirius Black, the womanizer, the ladies’ man, the guy every guy wants to be and every girl wants to be with, wants to be with me... a freaky little no one?!” Scarlet’s face was red.

“You aren’t a nobody...”

“Face it Black I am NO ONE! I didn’t expect for this to go this far. Honestly I thought I was just being a shallow person. I-I-,” Scarlet was shaking. Her eyes were full of angry tears. Sirius wanted nothing more than to hug her, “I won’t be hurt by you! I’m not that girl! I’m never going to be one of those girls that... that drools all over you. One that sobs and breaks down over you... I-I no!”

“Listen to me for a second please!” Sirius said taking her by the shoulders, “I’m not that same person I was when this connection began. You’ve changed me, both dream you and waking life you. You know I’ve change you can feel it too,”

“I-I don’t-,”

“I know your smile, I know the look you get when your mad, I know every tone of your voice, you laugh is like music to me.” Sirius said looking her in the eyes, “You know that there is something about you and I that fits. I’ve never felt this way about... anyone ever. Scarlet... I-I... I-I love you.”

“What... no you don’t! Take it back!”

“Mature Scarlet. I can’t take it back!”

“Y-you can’t love-,”

Sirius took Scarlet’s head in his strong hands and kissed her. Their lips barely met when Scarlet was already pulling away.

“You can’t love me! I’m not going to be all vulnerable and weak!”

“I do love you! I love you Scarlet Garret!”

Scarlet shook her head vigorously. She ran back to the castle. Sirius ran after her. When did she get so fast, Sirius thought to himself. They barged into the Common Room, everyone stared at them like if they had never seen something quite as shocking. Scarlet ran up the stairs to the girls tower. Sirius tired to follow but the stairs melted into a slide.

He made several angry attempts to climb but it was impossible. Soon he went up to his dorm in a huff. He was sweaty and felt sick. The lack of sleep was finally beginning to dawn on him.

“Didn’t go as planned mate?” James asked as he, Remus and Peter walked in. Sirius was lying with a pillow over his head, “Care to tell us the whole story or do we have to guess?” Sirius didn’t move. He seemed to pretend he couldn’t hear them

“Come on Padfoot! Tell us!” Peter said shaking him slightly. Sirius still didn’t bother to move. “Do you think he’s still alive?”

“He’s breathing so thats a good sign I guess.” James said shrugging.

“Come on guys I think he needs a nap. Let’s give him some space. We’ll be down in the Common Room if you need us.” Remus said shrugging and nodding towards the door. Sirius sat up all of a sudden. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his notebook.

“Prongs can you tell Evans to give this to Scarlet please.” He muttered handing James the book and laying back down. He heard them leave as quietly as they could.

For once he didn’t want sleep to come because he knew she wouldn’t be in his dreams and yet he was exhausted. All the rest he hadn't gotten in the last few months began to weight down on him. His fit body was aching all over. He felt feverish yet again. What was worse is that his brain seemed to be overloaded. Before he knew it he fell into a deep dreamless sleep.

***
A/N: Again random ending but meh I'm going with it. Poor Sirius... any volunteers to comfort him? Heck I wouldn't mind . Thanks for your feedback guys! I adore love feedback! Big big thanks to Triad who honestly didn't hit me for sending her back to back chapters! Thanks . I know I'm posting two days in a row but I kinda need to start wrapping fics up I still have 2 I haven't finished! Thanks to everyone who helped with this chapter! Specially Lauren, Kelly and Kristina who are always nagging ! Oh and a big thanks to my male mind dictionary Jesse

Feedback and you'll get a cookie!

Next thing he knew everything was dark. He looked at his wrist watch and saw it was 5am. He sat up and felt his head throb, his stomach was rumbling and he no longer felt tired, his head felt very heavy though.

He got up silently and walked out of the dorm. He walked to the Common Room and saw it was empty. He sat down and stared into what was left of the fire. His head kept pounding and it didn’t help that his stomach was rumbling every 30 seconds. The room felt too small for him. He needed fresh air, so he walked out. First thing he did was walk quickly down to the kitchens where he knew that the house elf's were already up getting breakfast ready. When he walked in, he had about 10 house elf's asking him what he wanted. He took a big cup of chocolate and a danish. His head still hurt but at least this would help with his stomach.

He slowly walked towards the Astronomy tower. He needed fresh air to help his pounding head. As he reached it he heard music from above. His heart began to race as he walked steadily up the stairs.

You woke up.
In pieces.
From making.
These changes.
And Holding me ransom.
Wont right you an anthem.

On the outside.
I'm trying.
'Cause inside.
I'm dying.

This broken heart was stronger then.
Now I cant stand to part with this.
This broken heart.

You took me.
For granted.
Now I've changed.
You haven't.

It wont be.
So easy.
To sell me.
This feeling.

This broken heart was stronger then.
The words I wish you never met.
This broken heart.

Cant make this right.
You can see on my face that I'm not gonna be all right.
Not tonight.

You can read all my letters,
But that wont mean things are fine.
Not this time.

Cause you gave away all the secrets of you and I.

This broken heart was stronger then.
Now I cant stand to part with this.
This broken heart was stronger then.
The words I wish you never met.
This broken heart!

Even though Sirius was sure she’d seen him, she kept playing. When she finished she looked up at him. Her hair was pulled up like usual with a pencil. Her violet eyes were swollen and puffy from the lack of sleep and crying. She had a blanket wrapped around her shoulders but was still shivering slightly in the morning air.

“I didn’t give any secrets away. The fact of the matter is that no one really knows what went on in these dreams except for you and me. No matter what you say or do I’m not going anywhere. I’m staying right here.” Sirius said breaking the silence. Scarlet looked at him unsure, “Want some chocolate? It’s just the way you like it.”

“How do you know just how I like my chocolate? You didn’t answer yesterday.” Scarlet managed to ask.

“Thats how like it too,” Sirius said as he walked to the piano. Scarlet jumped up. “I want to show you something I was working on. I tried to write it on piano but I really do suck. So here is my attempt on being musical but on guitar.”

Sirius took chair that was in a corner and transfigured it nicely into a guitar. He sat on the piano bench. When he got near Scarlet backed away a little taking with her a small book.

“I’m not very good at this but this is a tune I’ve been messing around with for a while and most of it I wrote on piano but I think it sounds better on guitar. Ok I’m going to sing now so I’ll stop rambling.”

Share with me the blankets that your wrapped in
Because its cold outside cold outside its cold outside
Share with me the secrets that you kept in
Because its cold inside cold inside its cold inside

And your slowly shaking finger tips
Show that your scared like me so
Let's pretend we're alone
And I know you may be scared
And I know we're unprepared
But I don't care

Tell me, tell me
What makes you think that you are invincible?
I can see it in your eyes that you're so sure
Please don't tell me that I'm the only one that's vulnerable
Impossible

I was born to tell you I love you
Isn't that a song already?
I get a P in originality
And it's true I can't go on without you
Your smile makes me see clear
If you could only see in the mirror what I see

And you're slowly shaking finger tips
Show that you're scared like me so
Let's pretend we're alone
And I know you may be scared
And I know we're unprepared
But I don't care

Tell me, tell me
What makes you think that you are invincible?
I can see it in your eyes that you're so sure
Please don't tell me that I'm the only one that's vulnerable
Impossible

Slow down girl, you're not going anywhere
Just wait around and see
Maybe I am much more you never know what lies ahead
I promise I can be anyone, I can be anything
Just because you were hurt doesn't mean you shouldn't bleed
I can be anyone, anything, I promise I can be what you need

Tell me tell me
What makes you think that you are invincible?
I can see it in your eyes that you're so sure
Please don't tell me that I'm the only one that's vulnerable
Impossible


“I don’t like feeling vulnerable.” Scarlet muttered flipping through the sketches, “Why me? There are much prettier girls in this school. You can have anyone you want.”

“The thing is, I only want you. There is no one more beautiful than you. Everything about you just captivates me in a way I never thought possible. I don’t want to be with anyone other than you.” Sirius said as their eyes were locked on one another, “I now understand so many things. I used to think that everyone who spoke of love had to be mental. How could someone just want to be with only one person? But then I met you and I get it now. It feels like you’re a part of me, an essential part of me. Like if I’d be blind or crazy without you.”

“I should have never lent you my Casanova book, its either that or you really are going crazy.”

“You’re intelligence makes you... so much more beautiful. I don’t know anyone who could argue when a guy is pour his heart out. Maybe in a cheesy way but very sincerely none the less. Only you could have a witty thing to say when someone is declaring his undying love for you” Sirius said grinning. He stood up and put the guitar on the piano bench. He walked over to the ledge and looked out at the clear morning sky. The first rays of sun where beginning to light the sky. “I honestly don’t know what to say to you to tell you how much I love you because ‘I love you’ doesn’t cover what I feel for you.” Sirius sighed deeply, “You really are my sunrise after a long night.”

He felt her small hand cover his hand. She was smiling.

“I must be seriously, no pun intended, losing my mind Black. I swore I wouldn’t fall for you. You infuriate me with you egocentric remarks, I detest the way you can see right through me, I despise that you never seem to give up even after all my attempts to push you away, I hate that you proved me wrong! What I feel for you is really beyond all words.” Scarlet said smiling, “I want you to swear that you’re not going to leave me. Promise me that you’re not going to get tired of me after the ‘chase’ is over.”

“Cross my heart.” Sirius said turning to her. He took her face in his hands and kissed her forehead, “I couldn’t leave you even if I tried. You’ve got my heart.”

Their lips met just as the sun was rising. It was the most beautiful sunrise they had ever seen.

***

“I bet you 10 galleons that she faints.” Sirius muttered to Scarlet. She laughed and shook her head.

“10 says she doesn’t faint but hits him instead but then cries and says yes.” Scarlet said as they got closer to the Quidditch pitch.

“Deal only if you include a day of servitude.” Sirius grinned. Scarlet rolled her eyes and nodded, “Can you believe our ickle little Prongsie?”

“I can I mean ok at first I thought he was just trying to get in her knickers but now I know that he loves her like a madman.” Scarlet said sighing as she fixed her glasses, “They grow up so fast.”

“Just yesterday he was getting insulted by her and now... oh and by the way I love you like a madman.” Sirius winked. Scarlet smack him in the arm, “Ouch! Why’d you hit me?”

“I like hitting you, its fun.” Scarlet laughed. Sirius scowled and picked her up, “Put me down! Sirius Black if you don’t put me down right now I swear I’ll hurt you!”

“No you won’t because you’d never risk losing him.” sneered a voice behind them. Melody stood there smirking, “Maybe he’ll react if you hit him. I’ve heard Amortentia wears off with a brutal injury.”

“Hey Stevens your hair looks interesting, would you like me to help you fix it up a bit?” Scarlet asked still in Sirius’ arms. Melody blushed furiously, “Don’t tempt me because I’m dating a Marauder and in all honesty we make a very good team.”

“Not once did I give him the anti-dote for the Amortentia you’ve been giving him.” Melody snapped.

“Actually I do owe you a thanks Stevens. If it weren’t for you I dunno how long it would have taken us to get together. It’s not Amortentia its called L-O-V-E. Let me show you.” Scarlet turned Sirius’ head towards her and she kissed him deeply. Melody swore and stormed off, “Oh and Stevens MY boyfriend is going to pound your team! The cup has our name on it again!”

“That was really mature babe,” Sirius grinned as he walked on still with Scarlet in his arms, “I’m so proud of you! I never thought I’d see you be immature! So does this mean Quidditch is growing on you?”

“Not really but you did and you play Quidditch which is all that matters.” Scarlet said kissing him on the cheek. “Now put me down. I don’t want you to get tired before the game.”

***
“Dear Merlin what a game this has been! I hope this ends soon because I’m getting hungry! Does anyone want to bring me a pumpkin pastie?” Alexander said rubbing his stomach. Professor McGonagall glared at him, “Yes, yes Professor I know you want one too. It’s going to be tough for the seekers to find the snitch with the sun beginning to set. But they have to hurry because I don’t know how much more these players can last. And there goes Potter with the Quaffle. Oh that had to hurt!”

James was hit by a Bludger and almost fell off his broom. Lily was screaming and swearing at the Ravenclaw beater.

“That was an interesting choice of words by Miss Lily Evans, Potter’s girlfriend. Yes ladies he is taken! Chang has the Quaffle and passes to Prewitt, nice bludger by Anderson but Prewitt is just to fast. He passes back to Chang, he takes the shot... nice save by Silver!” Alexander said cheering, “Potter has the Quaffle, oh Merlin on fire Kent has seen the snitch! Black get your bum over there and cover him before he gets hit!”

Sirius heard Alexander’s comment and flew over towards Kent just in time to deflect a bludger that was about to hit him. He caught the snitch and the crowd went wild. Sirius grinned happily and flew towards the ground. He didn’t notice a bludger about to hit him. As it heard his head he turned and saw it was frozen in place. He looked over at Scarlet , who just as he suspected has her wand out. Her violet eyes gleamed with fury. The crowd was momentarily quiet as she shouted every swear word she knew at John Sullivan who simply glared at her and flung his beater bat down.

“Scarlet Garret everyone, mouth of a sailor.” Alex said laughing. The crowd began to cheer again. Gryffindor had won the Quidditch cup.

Lily and Scarlet stood waiting for their boyfriends but even as the crowd began to clear, they were nowhere to be seen.

“Where are they? We can’t bloody wait all night!” Lily said impatiently. Scarlet grinned and shrugged, “Scarlet is there something you aren’t telling me?”

“I know nothing what so ever.”

“Like I’m supposed to b-,” Lily was cut off at mid sentence by a loud cracking noise. She looked around to see where it was coming from. There was an amazing display of fireworks. She looked up and saw written:


Lily Evans will you marry me?

She mouthed wordlessly. She looked over at Scarlet, pointed and looked back. She felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to see James standing in his Quidditch robes. His dark hair was everywhere and he had the famous Potter smirk painted on his lips.

Lily stared at him, then at the message written in the sky. Just as she turned again she saw another word appear.




Lily looked at James who had a big smirk on his face. Lily suddenly punched him in the arm.

“Ow! What was that for?” James asked rubbing his arm, “If you wanted to say no you could have just said it! There’s no need for violence!”

Big tears began to stream down Lily’s face. James looked at her and pointed over to the sky where his first messages were still magically there, surrounded by smaller fireworks going off.

I love you

“Lily I really love you. You know I’m terrible with words but all I can say is that you’re my everything. Do me the honour of marrying me. I want to be with you forever.” James said wiping the tears from her face. Everyone around them awed, “Lily Evans... will you marry me?”

“Yes! Oh dear Merlin yes!” Lily squeaked and kissed James. The crowd that was still there awed and cheered.

“You owe me 10 galleons and you are my slave for a day.” Scarlet said grinning at an amused Sirius.

“That isn’t fair, you told her!” Sirius said flipping her hair. Scarlet stuck her tongue out at him, “So they’re getting hitched... seems like the Marauders are growing up! Who would have thought.”

“Definitely not me, actually I bet Mandy during our 5th year that you’d all end up in Azkaban as soon as you left Hogwarts.” Scarlet said grinning. Sirius pulled her into a hug, “Ew you’re all sweaty.”

“I sweat sexy and you know it.” Sirius said kissing the top of her head.

“Scarlet I’m getting married!” Lily shrieked and hugged her friend.

“So I read! Congrats Mrs. Potter! What does it feel like losing you mind?” Scarlet teased, “Remember we always said that you had to be mental to fall for a Marauder?”

“Then we are both mental.”

“And boy does it feel good!”

***

“I can’t believe that ugly hag... I should.... kill her!” screamed Melody as she saw Scarlet and Sirius walk towards the lake together. “There has to be some way to get her out of the picture!”

“There is” said a voice from behind her. Melody shrieked and turned. She looked frightened, “Guilty conscious Stevens?”

“W-who are you? W-what do you w-want?”

“I want to help you get even with Garret and Black.”

“Why?”

“I’m just really nice is all.”

“What do you have in mind?” Melody looked nervous.

“Something that will make sure Garret and Black never bother you again.” said the woman from the shadows.

“Who are you?”

“You can call me Tahra.”

***
A/N: First off the fireworks are for the 4th of July! Even though I live in Mexico I still wanted fireworks! Ok so big thanks first off to Tahra for not only beta-ing but letting me use her name for my strange schemes! Thanks!

So I know this chapter is mega cheese but hey I dunno where it came from to be honest! Thanks to all of you who read and bigger thanks to those who leave feedback!

First song: This broken heart by Something Corporate

Second song: Vulnerable by Secondhand Serenade

Feedback please!

“Have any of you seen Mandy?” Remus asked worriedly. He had looked all over for her but hadn’t been able to find her. Lily and Scarlet were sitting in the common room studying for their N.E.W.Ts. They both shook their heads. “Have you seen Padfoot or Prongs?”

“James and Sirius were going to get some books from the library.” Scarlet said looking back at her books. Lily smiled sweetly at Remus. “Don’t worry Remus, Mandy has to be around here somewhere.”

“I’m going to look for the guys, I’ll see you later. If you see Mandy before me tell her I’m looking for her.” Remus said shrugging and walking off.

“Whoa, what’s with you?” Sirius said as he ran into Remus outside of the library. Remus rolled his eyes, “You’re in a nice mood. What’s up?”

“I can’t find Mandy anywhere.” Remus said shrugging. James looked at him intently, “I have this strange feeling in the pit of my stomach.”

“Moony that is sick! We don’t need to know if you’re horny or not!” Sirius said jokingly. James laughed but Remus still looked off. “Is the full moon close? You look really off.”

“It's this weekend but that’s not it.” Remus replied anxiously.

“I have the map if you want to look for her,” James said as he dug in his pocket. He tapped the map with his wand. Sirius and James began to scan the map for Mandy. Suddenly Sirius’ eyes were opened widely.

“What? Where is she? What’s with the face Padfoot?” Remus said as he took the map from Sirius. His eyes scanned it for a minute and found Amanda. She was in their usual spot behind the portrait but she wasn’t alone. She was with John Sullivan. Remus glared and threw the map at James. He ran off towards the portrait of the handsome wizard. James and Sirius followed closely behind him. He opened the portrait and just as he feared Amanda was in there intertwined with John Sullivan.She was on top of him as Remus heard her giggle and say “That tickles John”.

“AMANDA!” Remus snarled. John jumped up frightened. Amanda’s blue eyes looked shocked. All the colour was drained from her face. Sirius and James took a step forward as if to restrain Remus. He just shook his head, “I-I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS.”

“Remus, I can expla-”

“Save your explanations for someone who cares.” Remus snapped and ran out of the small room. Sirius followed him as he ran outside, “Leave me alone Sirius, I don’t want to talk about it!”

“Mate I-”

“I’m an idiot I know! I shouldn’t have gotten involved with someone so deeply.” Remus ranted. He kicked a tree as hard as he could, a couple of birds flew out of it. “How could she do this to me? I-I.”

“I know mate, I know. You didn’t deserve this. You’re in pain and I get that but I assure you that this isn’t your fault!” Sirius said calmly as Remus kicked the tree again.

“This is my bloody fault! She probably found out the truth about me and thought this was a better way of getting the vile werewolf away from her!” Remus said as he continued to kick the tree. “I... the... stupidest... werewolf... on... earth!”

“This isn’t about you Remus! This is all on her! She made a mistake not you.” Sirius said as Remus sat down under the tree and buried his face in his knees. “I’m sorry mate.”

“I need to be alone.”

“Ok, I’ll be inside if you need me. It’ll be ok, I promise.” Sirius said patting Remus’ shoulder. He walked back to the castle.

Remus sat there feeling like if a Bludger had just hit him in the stomach. How did things get this bad? He had the mental image of Amanda on their couch with Sullivan. It keep repeating itself over and over.

“You didn’t see that one coming did you?” said a cool female voice from above him. He looked up to see a girl who was in his year but he had no idea what her name was. “I don’t think that even a seer could have seen that one coming.”

“Why are you here? Who are you? How about you leave me the bloody hell alone because I’m in no mood to talk to anyone, specially someone I don’t know.” Remus said glaring at her. She simply smirked and flipped her shoulder length brown hair back.

“Temper, temper Remus. I’m just trying to be nice to you in your moment of pain. I’m not the one who was shagging some other guy while dating you. I’m Tahra by the way.” Tahra said smiling at him. Remus scowled, “Now if you ask me I think that Amanda deserves to pay for what she did.”

“What’s it to you? This is my business.” Remus snapped. She was annoying him because she seemed to be enjoying the moment, mocking his pain even. “Run along Slytherin, I don’t want to talk to you.”

“This is what I get for caring that a nice, handsome guy like you got hurt.” Tahra said pretending to be offended. “It just really infuriates me that there are only a few nice men left in this sick, sad world and the hags that have them treat them like dirt!”

“Well this is what I get for being a ‘nice guy’.” Remus muttered angrily. Tahra put her hand over his. He looked into her dark eyes, they were almost hypnotic.

“It isn’t your fault, you’re the victim here. Amanda is the one who deserves to die. Amanda deserves to die...” Tahra said in a soothing voice. Remus nodded. He stood up and walked back to the castle with Tahra, “Remember Remus, she deserves to die!”

Remus wanted confusedly up to the common room. Who had he been talking to? He vaguely remembered talking to a girl but he didn’t remember her. He felt confused and angry. Amanda deserved to die.

“Remus I need to explain!” Amanda said running up to him as soon as he walked into the common room. Her blue eyes were red from crying, she was pale and ill looking. Remus ignored her and continued to walk. She took his hand, “Remus please!”

“Get your filthy hands off of me! We have nothing to talk about!” Remus spat and pulled his hand out of her reach. He continued to walk.

“Remus it’s not what you think! I did-”

“Are you going to tell me that you were under the Imperious Curse or something? I have done nothing but care about you. I love you and this is how you repay me?” He punched the wall as hard as he could. His fist was bleeding but that didn’t stop him, “Acting like a dirty trollop, shagging some random guy in our hide-out!” Remus snarled. Amanda looked frightened, “Drop dead Amanda, that is what you deserve after this!”

Remus ran up the stairs leaving Amanda there looking hurt. Lily rushed over and put her arm around her shoulders.

“I-I-I dunno w-what h-h-happened!” Amanda sobbed. Sirius was glaring at her. Scarlet nudged him but Amanda saw him as she sat down, “W-what you w-w-wanna have a g-go a-at me t-to?”

“Well seeing as one of my best mates is up there hurting like crazy because he caught you shagging a guy we don’t like, yes I’d like to say a few things to you.” Sirius snapped. Scarlet smacked his leg, “What if Remus had done that to her you would have ripped his eyes out or something!”

“At least let her tell us what happened! I would have given Remus that much.” Scarlet said shrugging. She looked at Amanda serenely, “What did happen Mandy.”

“I-I dunno! I h-h-hardly remember what h-h-happened! I j-j-just remember t-t-talking to some g-girl, n-next thing I-I-I know I’m snogging S-S-Sullivan!” Amanda sobbed into Lily’s shoulder. “I-I would n-never do that t-to Remus! I-I-I love him!”

“So you momentarily lost your mind then? That is one of the most absurd things I have ever heard! You talk to a girl then poof you randomly go shag the first guy that walks your way.” James said rolling his eyes. Lily shot him a glance. “Come on Lils that is not possible!”

“I d-didn’t talk to her! Her e-eyes... t-there was s-s-something weird a-about them.” Amanda said shaking her head. She turned to Scarlet, “Lottie y-you k-know legilimency, t-try please!”

“Mandy I could really mess up your head! Worse I can damage mine!” Scarlet said shaking her head. Amanda stood up and rushed to her. “Honestly Mandy I haven’t done this ever! I know in theory!”

“I-I can’t r-remember w-why I cheated on m-my boyfriend! I n-need your help! I-I’ll risk it!” Amanda said getting on her knees. “I-I wouldn’t a-ask if I-I had another choice!”

“You may be willing to risk your mind but I’m not willing to risk Scarlet’s mind!” Sirius said shaking his head, Scarlet hadn’t taken her eyes off Amanda. “No Scarlet! Don’t, it’s too dangerous!”

“I’ll do it Mandy, but I can’t guarantee it will work. We need a quiet place.” Scarlet said looking around. People where staring at them. She looked at Sirius, “I’ll be ok, don’t worry!”

“I know a place then,” Sirius said standing up. He looked over at James, “Prongs you should stay with Moony. He says he wants to be alone but you know he’s never been one to handle things alone.”

“Ok I’m on it. Good luck.” James said to Scarlet. He turned to Amanda, “You better be telling the truth.”

They walked silently to the 7th floor corridor. The only thing that was heard was footsteps and Amanda’s sobbing. They reached an empty corridor and Sirius stopped. Scarlet looked at him curiously, he simply smiled. He walked back and forth in the same place three times. Scarlet was about to ask something when a door appeared.

“How did you find this place?” Lily asked as they walked in, “I heard it was just a myth!”

“I got lost during my second year on my way to the toilet. I figured this place would be good since it give you what you need.” There were two large couches and several potions on a long table. There were several books about Legilimency also on the table. Sirius picked up a book and sat down skimming it.

“Mandy I need you to concentrate on the moment before you did... you know.” Scarlet said making Amanda sit down on a couch. She nodded and Scarlet took her wand out. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “Concentrate on that memory so that I don’t have to dig too deep into your mind, look me directly in the eyes Mandy.”

Scarlet knelt down in front of Amanda and stared into her eyes. “Legilimens.”

Sirius couldn’t stand to look. He focused his eyes on the book on his lap. He wasn’t taking in any of what was on the page. He heard Amanda draw in sudden air but he wouldn’t dare look up. After what seemed like hours he braved a look up. Scarlet was staring at Amanda, her eyes were unfocused but she was still not moving and quiet. Amanda looked pained but was also staring. Suddenly both girls fell over.

“Scarlet!” Sirius threw the book aside and took Scarlet in his arms. She was drenched in sweat and unconscious, “Come on love open your eyes. You’re stronger than this!”

“I know I’m stronger but that doesn’t stop this terrible headache!” Scarlet muttered as she slowly opened her eyes. Sirius grinned and helped her sit up. They both looked at Amanda who was still unconscious on the couch. Lily was tending to her looking worried, “Is she ok?”

“I don’t know, I guess we have to wait and see.” Lily said anxiously.

“If she doesn’t wake up in two minutes we’re taking her to the hospital wing”. Scarlet said standing up. She looked tired but was ok. “I told her.”

“Was it worth it? Is she lying?” Sirius asked

“She’s not lying. I couldn’t see anything too sure but someone has been messing with her mind. I see a pair of dark eyes that are very hypnotic. Gah I wish I had a book about hypnosis!” Scarlet sighed. She then noticed a new book appear on the table, “Wow, this room is good!”

They waited but Amanda still wouldn’t wake. “We have to take her to the Hospital Wing, now.” Lily said getting up and conjuring a stretcher.

“I’m ok Lils, no need to worry Madam Pomfrey.” Amanda said weakly. She didn’t open her puffy eyes. “Remus’ wish almost came true, I almost did drop dead.”

“Don’t even joke with that Mandy.” Lily said coldly, “Lets get you to the dorm.”

“Did you see what I saw Lottie?” Amanda asked as Lily helped her up.

“More or less I did. I only saw a girl with brown hair and dark eyes. Her eyes weren’t normal though. Someone has been messing with your brain.” Scarlet said as she got up slowly. “Sirius carry her, she shouldn’t walk.”

They walked back to the Common Room. Scarlet was leaning heavily on Lily as Sirius carried Amanda. He left her on the couch when they walked in, she was crying again.

“Remus will never believe me though,” she muttered as she fell into a fitful sleep. Sirius felt sorry for her as he sat next to Scarlet who had her nose buried in the hypnosis book.

“Scarlet who do you think is doing this and why?” Sirius asked after a while.

“I dunno love, but there is a lot of dark magic involved.” Scarlet said as she shuddered slightly.

***

“Moony my friend you have to believe us! We also didn’t believe her but-”

“Sirius I don’t want to hear it! I have to get going anyway, I’m supposed to meet Madam Pomfrey in 10 minutes.” Remus said getting up and walking out of the their dorm. Sirius followed him silently, “If you want to take her side its fine, I don’t care. You don’t even have to come out with me tonight.”

“Remus don’t be dramatic! I’m on your side! That is why I’m telling you what Scarlet sa-”

“She cheated on me Padfoot, she cheated on me with a guy I hate. I’m not going to forget all about it because her best friend says someone has been messing with her brain! There is no proof!” Remus said as he reached the Common Room. Amanda saw him and stood up, “See you later mate.”

“Remus I-” Remus rushed past Amanda without stopping, “I’m sorry.”

“Give him time Mandy, he’s really messed up about it all.” Sirius said patting Amanda on the shoulder. She nodded and went to sit back down as tears spilled from her eyes.

Sirius felt bad for both of them. He didn’t quite understand who could be doing something so vile to them. Who enjoyed messing with Remus? He didn’t really get into much trouble.

“What’s wrong Sirius, you look way too serious.” Scarlet said as he sat next to her. He grinned, “You know your name sucks! Don’t say it.”

“I’m just trying to figure out what’s going on with Mandy and Moony. Have you learned anything about hypnotism?” Sirius asked pulling Scarlet closer to him. She leaned her head on his shoulder.

“Nothing relevant. Do you want to help me study tonight?” Scarlet asked sweetly. Sirius sighed, “Don’t tell me it’s ‘boys night’ again!”

“Moony really needs it! I’ll help you study tomorrow deal?” Sirius said kissing the top of her head. Scarlet shrugged, “I have to go find Prongs.”

James, Sirius and Peter walked down quietly towards the entrance. They were late and they knew it but they had a hard time finding Peter. When they did find him he was locked in the bathroom for a long time.

“We’re late Wormtail! Really late! We’re later than a pregnant girl on crack!” Sirius said annoyed. Peter shrugged, “Honestly Wormtail if you weren’t my friend I’d hang you from your underwear from the Whomping Willow!”

“Why is the door opened? The door is never opened...” James said when they reached the front door. In a distance they heard a howl. “Dear Godric!”

They ran straight towards the Whomping Willow but stopped before they reached it. They saw Remus running straight into the forest howling. Sirius was throwing the cloak behind the bush when something caught his eye. There was a crumpled piece of parchment on the ground. He picked it up knowing he should be transforming instead.

Amanda,

Meet me down by the Whomping Willow at midnight. We need to talk and sort things out.

Remus

“Oh no Moony.” Sirius put the parchment into his pocket and transformed. He saw James already running into the forest. He followed as fast as his paws could carry him. There was a strange scent in the air. He heard a loud growl as he saw Remus leaning over a girl. Her blonde hair was stained by a red liquid... blood. James charged at Remus pushing him out of the way. Sirius neared the girl.

“Mandy!” he thought desperately as he saw her lying in a pool of blood.

***
A/N: I know I'm evil! I actually kinda like this chapter! I liked my idea! So 2 more to go! Thanks a bunch to Triad as usual for being amazing!

Feedback, no yelling

***
Sirius stood next to the ledge, high up on the Astronomy Tower, looking exhausted. His shirt was still crimson with blood, his eyes were aching from sleepiness, his face was pale and his hair was mattered on his head. He knew he should go shower and talk to the others. Yet he wasn’t ready to face the reality of it all. It was early, he knew dawn wasn’t far and yet somehow everything seemed darker. It felt like he was suffocating.

“Sirius…” whispered a voice from behind him. He knew who it was instantly so he stretched his hand out towards her without turning. Scarlet walked quickly to his side and took his hand tightly. She looked up at him but he couldn’t look at her. “I brought you a clean shirt.” Her voice was barely audible and didn’t have the usual musicality about it. Sirius forced himself to turn and look at her; he saw exactly what he feared he would: pain. It was more than just normal pain, he saw emptiness as if he was staring into an vacant shell.

Sirius took his blood stained shirt off, as he did, Scarlet caught a glimpse of the blood for the first time. Her face began to turn a pale tone of green as she ran towards a waste basket that was near the door. She was violently sick. Sirius rushed over to her, leaving the dirty shirt behind, and held her hair back.

“Scarlet… I-I’m… so sorry!” Sirius muttered as he took her in his arms when she was done. She finally broke down and began to sob uncontrollably. He had never seen her that way before. She cried with such despair that if physically hurt Sirius to see her that way. He couldn’t bear to see the girl he loved so much hurt in that way. “I-I should have do-”.

“I’d never blame you for this. I-I don’t understand, how could this happen? Dumbledore didn’t tell us anything, he just stood there and t-told us… that Mandy…” Scarlet buried her face in Sirius’ chest. He held her even tighter in his arms as if he was trying to take the pain away. “She said she was going to meet with Remus… oh dear Godric is Remus ok?!” Sirius held her even tighter but was quiet. After a moment Scarlet pulled away, “What happened?”

“I found her in the forest, she was already… dead. I took her in my arms and brought her back to the castle.” Sirius replied choking back tears. He closed his eyes to try to shake the memory of what had really happened away. It was no use, he’d remember this night as long as he lived. He saw it all replay in his head again.

James had managed to push an enraged Remus back into the Whomping Willow as Sirius turned back into a human. He had taken Amanda’s mangled body gently in his arms. She was still alive.

“Remus…” was the final thing she said with her last bit of air. Her eyes then closed as the life left them for good. There was a smile on her bloody face.

Sirius felt sick as he carried her back to the castle. One of the best friends, his brother even, was responsible for murdering Amanda. Remus, the boy who everyone considered kind, friendly, shy, smart and loving, had lured her knowing completely well that he couldn’t control his transformations. The cruel and sickening gashes on her body were proof of the heinous crime.

“Mr. Black what are you doing out of- oh dear Merlin! What happened?” Professor McGonagall said as Sirius crossed the entrance hall. Sirius explained briefly what had occurred as they rushed to the Hospital Wing. He couldn’t, he wouldn’t protect Remus anymore.

“Sirius you know more than that! I need to know what happened to her! S-she was like my sister!” Scarlet said bring Sirius back from his thoughts. Her violet eyes were boring into his but he couldn’t meet her gaze. “For Godric’s sake just tell me!”

“I-I can’t.”

“Don’t start with secrets all of a sudden! Amanda is dead! She’s dead and she isn’t coming back! She’s not on holiday in Australia she’s dead! You know what happened to her so don’t start with all of that bull-”

“She was attacked by a werewolf ok! Is that what you wanted? Do you want that image to haunt you for the rest of your bloody life?! Do you want to see that every time you close your eyes?” Sirius snapped as he kicked the wall furiously, “They didn’t let you see her because her body is garbled and deformed due to the bites and scratches!”

“A-A werewolf but how- wait… Remus! That’s why he always disappears once a month! He’s a werewolf and… HOW COULD HE DO THIS TO HER?!” Scarlet shouted angrily as tears glimmered in her eyes as the first rays of sun reached her face. “HE PURPOSELY MURDERED HER! THE LAST THING HE SHOUTED AT HER WAS ‘YOU DESERVE TO DIE’!”

“Don’t you think I know that? Don’t you think I haven’t been mulling over the fact ever since I found her? How do you think I feel losing a friend because one of my best friends murdered her? How do you think it feels to know that the person you thought was the sensible reliable person really is a murderer? You think I can ignore the fact that I failed her… that I failed you…” Sirius said hysterically as tears finally slid down his handsome face. “We were late last night, that’s why all of this happened.”

“What could you have possibly done to stop a werewolf? I know you’re a gifted wizard but-”. Sirius wiped his face and began to shrink before her eyes. Black hair began to sprout from all of his body. Before Scarlet could react there was a large dog standing were Sirius had been a seconds ago.

“Oh… that. Well I guess that might give you the upper edge…” Scarlet mumbled as Sirius put his muzzle in her hand. She pet his head slightly, “I always knew you were a dog.” she said quietly. Sirius began to change back.

“We, meaning James, Peter and I, could control him but last night we were late… it’s our fault Mandy is gone.” Sirius said as Scarlet shook her head, “I’m sorry I hadn’t told you before, but like I said it wasn’t my secret to share.”

“I don’t blame you…” Scarlet muttered as she looked out towards the grounds as if trying to find the right words. Suddenly she was glaring and swearing under her breath, “I blame him!”

She turned as ran as fast as she could towards the door. Someone was out on the grounds… Remus was walking back up to the castle. Sirius sighed and ran after Scarlet. His legs felt heavy as he ran but that was nothing compared to the weight he felt from the note in his pocket. Would he be able to turn his best friend in? Did he have what it took to send Remus to Azkaban? To see his friend sent to the Dementors?

When he finally caught up to Scarlet, she already had Remus pinned against the wall wand-less and scared. Her wand was pointing at his chest. His face looked in pain.

“HOW COULD YOU? EVEN IF SHE DID CHEAT ON YOU, WHICH IF YOU WOULD HAVE STOPPED FOR ONE BLOODY SECOND YOU’D HAVE KNOWN SHE DIDN’T, THAT DOESN’T GIVE YOU THE RIGHT TO KILL HER!” Scarlet bellowed as red sparks emerged from her wand. Remus flinched but didn’t move. His face looked desperately sad with tears in his eyes. Sirius simply stood watching it all.

“Scarlet I didn’t-”

“Grow a pair Lupin! Don’t deny it! At least own up to what you did! I saw the letter! She showed us before she went out to meet you! I’ll find that letter and it’ll be over for you!” Scarlet snarled. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t kill your right now? Tell me why I shouldn’t rip you to bits!”

“There are several reasons for you not to do this, for one I don’t think Mr. Filch would be very happy if you got blood all over the walls and the floor, secondly I would hate to have to send you to Azkaban.” Professor Dumbledore said as he stood near Sirius. Scarlet glared at him.

“You think this is a joke sir? I have Amanda’s murderer right here! Summon the Dementors, he killed Mandy!” Scarlet screamed. Remus shook his head slightly, “DON’T DENY IT!”

“I don’t know if he’s responsible but I do know that he didn’t attack her. Please lower your wand and come with me to my office. I promise I’ll explain everything there.” Professor Dumbledore said in a soothing voice. His electric blue eyes were staring at her intensely. Scarlet glared at him as she lowered her wand slowly. They walked quickly towards his office. Sirius held Scarlet’s shaking hand as they walked into the office.

When they entered they saw that James and Lily were already there. When Remus walked in they both glared at him. Sirius saw Lily try to lunge at him but James held her back. Lily and Scarlet had their hands wrapped tightly around their wands. Everyone was quiet for a moment; Dumbledore looked like he was deep in thought.

“Are you going to explain sir?” Scarlet snapped breaking the silence. “Or is this a guessing game?”

“As you all know by now Mr. Lupin is a werewolf. Miss Jones appears to have been killed by a werewolf coincidentally after having a serious fight with the only werewolf in the castle. All the apparent evidence seems to point to Mr. Lupin.” Professor Dumbledore said quietly.

“Then what are you waiting for? If you want I’ll tie him up while you send for the Dementors or if you wish we can take him to Azkaban ourselves!” Scarlet snarled. Professor Dumbledore looked at her warily.

“I would do so Miss Garret except it wasn’t Mr. Lupin who attacked Miss Jones,” Dumbledore said sitting down, “As you all know given you are N.E.W.T students, werewolf bites and scratches are contaminated. Miss Jones’ injuries were done in a matter resembling werewolf bites. They were a perfect imitation of the bites but nothing can imitate the corruption of the bites. Someone is trying to make us believe that Mr. Lupin is responsible.”

“But Professor he sent her a note! He asked her to meet him on the grounds!” Lily growled, “Maybe he didn’t do the actual attack because someone beat him to it, but he’s responsible! He lured her out of the safety of her dorm!”

“Sirius you were the one who found Amanda. Did you see anyone there?” Professor Dumbledore asked softly. Sirius looked at his feet. He couldn’t lie to this man straight in the eye.

“I only saw Remus.”

“Why were you out of bed at that hour? Why were you out on the grounds?” Professor Dumbledore asked with the same serenity as before. Scarlet gave his hand a squeeze trying to give him strength even though Sirius knew that she was annoyed with Dumbledore for being so absurdly calm.

“I-I found this. I knew I had to try and stop her before it… was too late.” Sirius said taking the note and handing it to Dumbledore. “When I got to her, Remus was standing over her. James… he somehow managed to get Remus back into the Whomping Willow. Meanwhile I carried Mandy up to the castle.”

Professor Dumbledore looked at the note for a few moments. “Is this your handwriting Remus?”

“What a way to interrogate him sir! What are you going to ask him next if he’s responsible? Very clever I must say asking the guilty if they really are guilty!” Scarlet snapped as she rolled her eyes, “If the Ministry interrogated in that way, Azkaban would be empty!”

“It looks like my handwriting but there are a few differences. I don’t write my R like that.” Remus said as he explained the parchment with shaking hands. “I honestly didn’t write this, I’d never-”

“Fine then, prove it! Can I do a quick experiment Professor?” Scarlet asked briskly. Professor Dumbledore nodded. Scarlet summoned Remus’ notes from the Common Room. She waved her wand and took out the same words that were written in the note that was sent to Amanda from Remus’ Transfiguration notes. She then laid the words on top of each other. They didn’t match. She looked over at Remus.

“Scarlet, no matter how angry I was at Mandy the last thing I wanted was for this to happen…” Remus said quietly as thick tears streamed down his ill looking face. “I love her… I-I’d never do this.”

“You told her to ‘drop dead’. It’s still your fault! If you hadn’t been so stupid and just listened to her she wouldn’t… she wouldn’t be dead!” Lily yelled and again tried to leap at Remus but James stopped her. She buried her face in his chest as he hugged her tight.

“Professor, someone is behind this. They are playing tricks on people’s minds.” Scarlet said as she began to tell Dumbledore of what happened with Amanda and the girl with dark eyes. She told him how she had tried to get the memory out of her but only saw a pair of dark eyes. “The memory was tampered with,” she explained. She turned to Remus, “Have you spoken to someone like that recently?”

“I-I think so… I can’t recall… I was sitting by the lake after I saw Mandy with Sullivan. Sirius was there but then he left… I can’t remember anything after that until the next day. I know I yelled at Amanda but I can’t even remember what I said.” Remus said as he shook his head trying to clear it. “Dark eyes… that’s all I recall”.

“Professor I’m not very good at Leglimency but you are. Do you think you can try to obtain the memory? I reckon the person who’s been doing this killed Mandy.” Scarlet said with a shaky voice. Sirius knew that it was taking all of her will to not cry.

Professor Dumbledore nodded and instructed Remus on what to do. They were all quiet as they saw the Headmaster invade Remus’ mind. After a few moments, in which Remus began to sweat terribly and looked like he was going to faint, Professor Dumbledore shook his head. Remus put his face in his hands.

“This is very interesting indeed. I’ve never encountered something of the sort before. It’s like a blank space in his memory. It’s not tampered with it’s more like they erased it completely. If it were a memory charm there would be something in its place but instead it’s empty. I’d like to try a few more things Remus but you need rest. I will send someone for you in a few hours.” Dumbledore said in a startled tone. He swept the room with his eyes, “Lily, James can you go to the hospital wing and tell Professor McGonagall to contact Amanda’s parents? We will inform you of anything else that occurs. There is nothing more you can do right now. Try and get some sleep before your exams.”

Scarlet was about to make some sort of comment, Sirius knew because of the intense stare she gave the Headmaster but before she could say anything, her eyes closed and she fainted before anyone could catch her.

***
The sun was beginning to rise as Lily stood in front of a small crowd. Her blazing red hair made her look very pale but her face was determined. Her emerald green eyes were brimming with tears. Suddenly she smiled.

“Mandy used to tell me that when you felt down you had to put a smile on your face. It didn’t matter if it’s the fakest smile you can come up with, because even if it doesn’t feel real in the moment, sooner or later it would. Mandy was always smiling even when no one thought she would. She was and always will be the happiest person I ever had the privilege of knowing. She faced all adversity with a smile on her face, even if she had tears in her eyes, even if she was sobbing, we knew that the smile was something that belonged there. Scarlet would always call her ‘little miss sunshine’ when she got angry at Mandy for being so happy.” Lily laughed slightly as tears continued to fall. She took a deep breath, “There are no words to describe the pain and the emptiness that comes with the loss of such a great human being. She will always be in our hearts and in our minds. Mandy changed us all even if it was just a little bit. I won’t lie to you and say that everything will be ok, all we can really do is honour her by taking her advice and smiling… smile until it feels real.”

Lily walked back to her seat. There was a smile on her face but tears were now pouring. James hugged her tight as soon as she sat down. His hazel eyes looked misty. Scarlet stood up and walked towards the white marble tombstone. She didn’t look up but kept her eyes on the tombstone.

“When Mr. and Mrs. Jones asked Lily and me to speak today, I felt like I wouldn’t be able too. I thought, ‘I should just let Lily do it, she’s better at public speaking than I am’. I can say that for the first time in my life I am at loss of words. Though I have many memories with Mandy and so many things I’d like to say, I just don’t think words are enough to express what I feel. Mandy was part of my family. Sure we weren’t blood related but we didn’t need to be. She was my family. I am going to miss my sister more than words could tell."

“Amanda was what I call ‘annoyingly happy’. She was always annoying me by telling me to smile all the time! I just didn’t understand why it was so important to smile! One of the most annoying ways she’d try to get me to smile was through songs. She knew that music was my weak point so she used it against me. It got to the point where she would sing certain songs so much that I began to like them and even worse, I began to sing them and smile! I couldn’t believe it when she pointed that out to me. But that’s how Mandy was; she was annoyingly happy and proud of it. "

“There is a song that she would sing whenever I was upset, or when she knew I had problems. Though I never told her, this song helped me, the ‘Grinch’ as she used to call me when we were younger, feel better. This song helped me hope that maybe things would be alright,” Scarlet’s voice trailed off. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes just as a tear shimmered down her face. “I know that Mandy would want me to sing this. She’d want me to try to help others through this song. She’d want to give you hope. Most importantly she’d want to be remembered by this song. This is how we must remember Mandy, she was the best daughter, an extraordinary friend, an amazing person, the best sister a girl could ask for and also a little ray of sunshine and hope…”

Dont worry about a thing,
cause every little thing gonna be all right.
Singin: dont worry about a thing,
cause every little thing gonna be all right!

Rise up this mornin,
Smiled with the risin sun,
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true,
Sayin, this is my message to you

Singin: dont worry bout a thing,
cause every little thing gonna be all right.
Singin: dont worry bout a thing,
cause every little thing gonna be all right!

Rise up this mornin,
Smiled with the risin sun,
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true,
Sayin, this is my message to you-ou-ou:

Singin: dont worry about a thing, worry about a thing, oh!
Every little thing gonna be all right. dont worry!
Singin: dont worry about a thing - I wont worry!
cause every little thing gonna be all right.

Singin: dont worry about a thing,
cause every little thing gonna be all right - I wont worry!
Singin: dont worry about a thing,
cause every little thing gonna be all right.
Singin: dont worry about a thing, oh no!
cause every little thing gonna be all right


***
“Hey love what’s with the face?” Sirius asked as he walked down to the Common Room. He had just finished packing the last of his things. Scarlet was sitting waiting for everyone else to finish so they could go. “Are you ok?”

“I dunno it’s just… it feels weird you know,” Scarlet said looking around the room. Sirius did the same. So many memories in both good and bad, “This was the only place I really called home. It’s my home…”

“Mrs. P always says ‘home is where you hang your hat’.” Sirius said grinning. Scarlet shrugged. “I know what you mean love, this is the only home I’ve ever had and I know it’s sad but its part of growing up you know.”

“Who thought I’d see the day where Sirius Black growing up.” Scarlet said laughing slightly. She looked at the couch she was sitting on, “This is exactly where we were after the ball. I had just barely made it back up here in time.”

“How did you change so fast?” Sirius grinned as he remembered that moment. He had been so blind.

“I didn’t change; I just took off the make-up, pulled my hair up, threw on a sweatshirt and covered myself with the biggest blanket I could find. Now if you would have forced me to stand you’d have realized that.” Scarlet said laughing again, “We’ve come such a long way haven’t we?”

“From hate to love, within one year.” Scarlet stretching her hand out to him. He went to sit next to her and wrapped his arms around her.

“I never did understand why the dreams happened. It just seems something out of a fairy tale.”

“I have a theory.”

“Are you going to share or am I going to have to kick it out of you?” Scarlet said poking Sirius slightly.

“Always so violent woman, I am completely terrified of you!” Sirius said kissing the top of her head. She rolled her eyes, “So I think the connection has to do with your eyes.”

“What? Why?”

“Well I was reading a while ago about eyes ever since… you know but well I saw that sometimes people are born with particular powers and they are demonstrated by their eyes. I think that even though you won’t admit it, you were lonely and subconsciously searched for someone who was equally lonely and in need of your assistance,” Sirius said shrugging. Scarlet looked up at him, “Unfortunately for you but fortunately for me you found me. I guess because even though I was a jerk at the time we were compatible.”

“So you think I have a certain power to get into people’s dreams?” Scarlet asked with a doubtful tone. She smiled, “And I was lucky to have found you so shut up.”

“I do think you have an additional power, I dunno how to explain it but a clear proof of it is that when I found out who you were the dreams stopped.” Sirius smiled, “It’s hard to believe that you’re Muggle-born because normally it presents in Pureblood witches and wizards. I guess it goes to show you that purity of blood is just a bunch of tosh.”

“Where did you read this?” Scarlet asked a little taken back by the information. Sirius kissed her.

“It was in that book you were reading about hypnosis, you didn’t finish it so I did.” Sirius said just as the others were coming down. Remus looked tired but he had looked that way since Amanda’s death. Sirius knew that his friend would never be the same again.

“Ok everyone lets go.” James said as Lily jumped on his back. Scarlet stood up rolling her eyes, “What’s with the face Lottie?” Scarlet punched him, “Lily defend me! Your evil friend wants to ruin my perfect-ness!”

“Ego Potter… you will always be ego Potter.” Scarlet said as they walked out of the common room. They all looked back on the room that had been their home for so many years. In that room they had shared the best of times but also bitter moments. “We’ll see this place again when mini James and mini Lily come to school!”

“Followed by mini Padfoot and mini Lottie!” James said as he ran. Scarlet darted after him.

“Careful mate she’s oddly fast!” Sirius yelled. Lily laughed and shook her head, “Son of a banshee I forgot the map up in the dorm! I was supposed to leave it for Filch to take it from me! I’ll catch up to you guys! Go make sure Scarlet doesn’t murder Prongs.”

Sirius ran back to his dorm and looked for a used piece of parchment. He founded under Peter’s bed and stood up laughing. They had put the finishing touches on the map the day before. They wanted to leave a little legacy for the following generations of pranksters.

“Thought you might need a piece of spare parchment?” said a cool female voice from the doorway. Sirius looked up and saw a Slytherin standing there. He was confused seeing as only Gryffindors knew the password, “You look surprised to see me.”

“I don’t even know who you are, I know you’re a Slytherin but that’s about it. How did you get in here? What are you doing in here?” Sirius asked as he put the map in his pocket and began to walk out. Suddenly he caught a glimpse of the girl’s eyes. They were so dark… so… “It’s YOU!”

“Very good and here I was thinking you were a complete twit!” the girl replied with a cold laugh that made the hairs on Sirius’ neck stand on edge. Suddenly the girl broke into a run. He’d never seen someone run so swiftly, other than Scarlet of course. He followed her trying to catch her. He was sure this was the girl that killed Amanda.

They ran down the empty halls, Sirius made a real effort to catch up to her but found it was impossible. He took his wand out and tried to stun her but she was too quick.

“Stop I know it was you! You aren’t going to get away murderer!” Sirius bellowed. Suddenly the girl came to a stop. There was someone lying in front of her. Sirius reached her and tried to stun her but she deflected it easily.

“Now, now Sirius, that’s no way to treat your future sister-in-law!” Tahra said smiling as Sirius caught a glimpse of a girl’s dead body on the floor.

“No, no, no, no!”

***
A/N: I have more but I just don't want to post it . I know lame cliffy but hey its my second to last chapter... well that is if the next one isn't too long and I have to cut in two . But yes this is so close to being done its sad. So sorry about the delay in posting but my internet has been cut... sad but true. Luckily I think I might get it back this weekend! If so then I think you'll get a chapter on Sunday . Thanks to everyone who helped with this chapter specially to my awesome beta Triad for being so cool .

Ohhhh the song is awesome! It's Bob Marley- 3 little birds

Feedback please!

***
“Don’t act like you’re upset about this Black, you used this girl. Honestly you never cared about her!” sneered Tahra. Sirius tried to stun her again but she easily disarmed him. “Now that you can’t attack me I guess there’s a story I want to tell you.”

“You killed Mandy! You’re the one that’s been messing with everyone’s mind!” Sirius snarled in disbelief. He charged at her trying to use brutal force. Tahra laughed at his feeble attempt. Suddenly Sirius was on the floor next to the corpse. He turned and saw the lifeless face of Melody Stevens. Her face was frozen in a perpetual grimace. “What do you want from me? Are you going to kill me?”

“No, no dear I don’t want to kill you yet. That wouldn’t be any fun. Actually I want to gloat a little bit. You won’t be able to remember anything but it’ll give me a tad bit of satisfaction to test my limits and see if I can erase everything bit of information I give you.” Tahra said kneeling next to him. He tried so hard to move but he couldn't. This girl was good looking in her own way. Her eyes as dark as night, they sent chills up Sirius spine. He didn’t meet her eyes. “Even if you don’t look me in the eyes I can still mess with your head idiotic boy. I don’t understand how my sister got involved with you,” Sirius eyes widened. Had she just said sister? “Yes, Scarlet is my sister. We are ‘twins’ but she’s a stupid little annoyance."

“Our parents were pure bloods. But for reasons that are still unknown to me they gave us away. I ended up in a pure blood family and used my special ability to make them believe I was actually their daughter. I wasn’t an average child; I was the smarter one of the two. When I was 3 I found out where my sister was. I was hoping she was as clever as I was but when I saw her and she was a normal 3 year old except for her eyes, I was disappointed. I used my ability to make the Muggles that had her believe she was their child. I didn’t want her to find out about magic. She was an embarrassment to me."

“The years passed and I occasionally check on my sister to see if she had developed any special traits. The only thing I saw was that she was idiotic enough to let the Muggles find out that she was a witch. She was soon thrown around like a ball between the relatives who all believed she was actually related to them. She got what she deserved.” Tahra’s face was full of hatred. Now that she had mentioned it, she did have some similarities to Scarlet, “We both came to Hogwarts and no one suspected that we were related. I saw how Scarlet was tormented by this girl for many years. I felt disgusted to see that she couldn’t defend herself."

“I wanted to test my ability against Scarlet but somehow I knew that it wouldn’t work. I knew that she was the only one immune to my power. I tried once in first year. I spoke to her asking her for something and tried to penetrate her mind but couldn’t. I knew that she did have something special but I didn’t know what. I went about my business, manipulating people as I wished until this summer. Somehow I began to have dreams about Scarlet except I wasn’t visible in these dreams. I only saw you and Scarlet in a forest. I realized what she had been doing. I realized that she didn’t know that was her power. That she had been born with that special gift. I began to think of all the possibilities! She could get into people’s subconscious and mess with their mind in a much crueler way than I could."

“The problem was that she was using it for something stupid like finding someone compatible. What surprised me more was how dim you were and how you didn’t seem to know it was her. I began to plot a way to get close to my sister. The problem was that she had found people who cared about her and would never let me get close enough to try to convince her to join forces with me. You were an obstacle, as were your little friends. I started with the weaker link, the werewolf. I could take two birds out with one stone."

“First I made contact with Amanda in the library. I had seen that John Sullivan had been staring her for a while now so I made her go hit on him and take him to a private place. I found it hilarious the look on the werewolf’s face when he saw his girl almost shagging Sullivan.” Tahra laughed sweetly. Sirius glared at her and tried to move again but couldn’t. “That fatal night I sent a note to Amanda knowing that it wasn’t exactly like Remus’ handwriting but that didn’t matter to me. It wasn’t my purpose to send the werewolf to Azkaban. I just needed a way to get rid of Amanda. She was stupid enough to fall for it. Once she was in the forest I hit her with a spell I had been working on, it made the bites and scratches in the same matter as a werewolf. She begged me not to harm Remus, Stupid girl."

“I was counting on the werewolf to finish her off but I hadn’t counted on you showing up. I was just feet away from you, hidden in the forest. I was impressed to see that you actually succeeded in becoming animagus. When you took her away and she whispered something to you I thought I was done for because I had been sloppy on not erasing her memory. Good thing Amanda was an idiot-”

“She was 100 times better than you were or ever will be!” Sirius spat. Tahra laughed at him and slapped him.

“You are funny but still I don’t see what Scarlet sees in you. I guess you must be a good shag or something.” Tahra said looking him up and down. Sirius felt like vomiting. “Where was I in my story before I was interrupted? Ah yes, things went as planned, Amanda was dead and Remus was too stunned to do anything. It was good to see that not even the great powerful Dumbledore could match my powers. I took both of them out. Now I just have to get rid of Evans and Potter. Now you… you’re going to be last, I’ll have a great time ruining your relationship with Scarlet. I wonder what how I’ll do it…”

“Don’t. You. Dare!” Sirius snarled Tahra laughed again. They were both silent a moment. Sirius turned to look at Melody’s dead body again, “Why Melody? What did she ever do to you?”

“She was just annoying really. I had no real reason to murder her I just wanted to get rid of her is all. I used her for information about both of you. But she got really naggy and to be honest she didn’t deserve to live after everything she did to my sister. I mean Scarlet deserved it all but never the less blood is blood.” Tahra said sighing dramatically. She suddenly grinned, “Plus I hate blondes.”

“You’re sick did you know that?”

“You’re the first person to say that to me, maybe because you’re the first to know the whole truth. But that won’t last very long. I haven’t thought of how to rid the world of Potter and Evans. It’s a shame because even though Evans is a mud-blood she’s quite clever. But it’s all for a great cause.” Tahra said smiling and running her finger across his face. Sirius growled and tried to bite her, “Once a dog always a dog.”

Sirius concentrated as hard as he could on trying to free himself. She had his wand in her pocket and her finger was his face… maybe he could find a way to free himself before she wiped his memory. She was grinning at his concentration. Tahra suddenly yelped as her wand flew from her hand. This gave Sirius time to move as the spell that was cast was removed. Tahra watched him stand up with a smile on her face. She had already gotten her wand back.

“You continue to surprise me. I guess I should have been more careful but face it Sirius darling, you are no match for me. No one really is.” Tahra said as she cast a spell at him. He jumped out of the way just in time. She laughed, “This isn’t a game of hit the duck. Or in your case hit the dog. Now Sirius, be a good boy and… sit.”

Sirius didn’t know how she had done it but he was sitting down, unable to disobey her. He glared at her with hatred. Suddenly he caught a glimpse of her dark eyes. He couldn’t look away. It felt like he was sinking into a pool of black. His breathing was calm now. He tried hard to resist the feeling of nothingness but he couldn’t. Soon he was out cold. He fell into a dreamless sleep.

“Sirius, open your eyes please. Come on you big bum get up! You can not leave me! You promised and I’m not letting you break that promise!” he heard a melodic voice that was filled with fear and anger. He tried to speak but was unable too. His body was aching like if he had run straight at the Whomping Willow with his beater’s bat.

“Look he’s moving! He’s alive Scarlet don’t worry. I knew Padfoot would be ok.” Sirius heard another voice say. He recognized James voice. Where was he? Why couldn’t he move? He was there but he had no control over anything.

“He’s going to be alright but he needs rest. Visiting time is over.” Said a sweet voice but there was a twinge of sternness behind it. He didn’t recognize the voice. Why were they going to leave him alone? He wanted to know what was going on!

“I’m not leaving his side until he wakes up!” Scarlet snapped. He felt her warm hand on his face. He tried to smile but he was unsure if his face had moved at all. “The rest will wait outside but I’m not moving here.”

“But Miss we-”

“I don’t care if he can’t hear me, I’m not going to leave him.” Scarlet said again firmly.

“Are you his direct family?” the other voice asked with annoyance. There was a bit of silence. “Only family can be in here at all times.”

“I’m his fiancé ok? We’re to be married soon.” Scarlet said softly. Sirius tried his hardest to smile and he felt his cheek move slightly. “See he moved, he knows I’m here.”

“Fine you can stay but the rest have to get out of the room right now. There is a waiting room down the hall.” Sirius then heard feet shuffling out. Scarlet took his hand and kissed it. “If you need anything just let me know.” Then he heard a door close.

“I’m sorry about lying with the whole fiancé thing but I didn’t think she’d let me stay other wise. I swear this isn’t my weird way of pressuring you into getting married. You know I’d never do that.” Scarlet rambled and ran her shaking fingers through his hair. “Sirius, open your eyes please.” Sirius tried but couldn’t. Everything hurt so much. “Get some rest then, I promise I’ll be here when you open your eyes.”

Sirius heard her begin to hum the song she had sung at Amanda’s funeral. He quickly drifted off again. He didn’t hear anything for a very long time until he was finally able to open his eyes. He was in a white room with a big window on the side. There was a large couch next to his bed and a pale looking girl laying in it. Her glasses were lopsided and her eyes were closed. There was a book opened next to her. Sirius smiled as he watched Scarlet sleep. She looked so peaceful, so beautiful, that he couldn’t bring himself to wake her.

“How long have you been watching me weirdo?” she asked with her eyes still closed. She was smiling though.

“Only for about an hour, you looked way too adorable for me to wake you.” Sirius croaked. His voice was raspy from not using it. She smiled at him and opened her eyes. There were large shadows under her eyes and they looked red from crying. Sirius stretched his hand out to her. She got up and took his hand. He pulled her onto the bed with him. “I’m in St. Mungos aren’t I?”

“Yup.”

“How long have I been here for? What happened?” Sirius asked as Scarlet laid her head on his chest.

“You don’t remember anything?” Scarlet asked as she lifted her head to look at him. He shook his head. “You’ve been here for two weeks now. At one point we thought you weren’t going to make it.”

“Two weeks? That’s unbelievable! How did I end up here in the first place?” Sirius said shaking his head. His head was aching from trying to think about what had happened.

“You went up to get your wretched map. We waited for you but you were taking way too long so James and I went to go look for you. We didn’t find you in the Common Room so I started to freak out. It wasn’t like you to do that, specially after what happened to Amanda.” Scarlet said hugging Sirius tighter. “So I dunno how or why but I told James that we should look for you in the library. I went down a hall that I never use because it takes longer and there we saw you completely passed out. Most of your bones were bent in different directions, like if you had been hit by a train. Next to you Melody was lying there dead. It looked like someone had used the Killing Curse on her.”

“Melody… I don’t remember anything!”

“We’ll ask the healer when she comes in. We didn’t want to move you because we were scared of hurting you so instead I ran to the Hospital Wing to get Madam Pomfrey. I run faster than James you know.” Scarlet said with a twinge of pride in her voice. Sirius laughed but regretted doing so. “Are you in pain? Where does it hurt? Do you need me to call a healer? I’m crushing you aren’t I?”

“Well with all my bones broken like you say of course there is going to be some left over pain,” Sirius said not letting Scarlet move. “Carry on with the story.”

“I got to Madam Pomfrey and took her to you. She tried to mend your bones but nothing would work. Apparently the person who did this to you knew what they were doing.” Scarlet growled. Sirius was surprised someone hated him that much, “They transferred you to St. Mungos because not even Dumbledore knew how to fix you. The other problem was that you wouldn’t wake up. Once here the healer examined you for a long time and she came up with a pretty good idea. They removed all of your bones and grew them back. It was tricky because some of your bones had hit some internal organs or something. I dunno but I could tell it was going to hurt you a lot."

“Even though you flinched in pain you still wouldn’t wake up. The Healer said this was dangerous because they needed to know if the pain was too much because it could kill you. But they didn’t have any other choice. So there you were battling between life and death and I thought I was going to die with you.” Scarlet said in a small voice. Sirius kissed her head. “Then I remembered what you said about me having some sort of ability so I tried it. I concentrated really hard and went to sleep. I was able to see you in your dream. Do you recall that at all?”

“I… don’t know…”

“I guess that’s normal because all you were doing was screaming in pain in your dream. I tried to see into your mind but I was blocked so I knew that it had been the same girl who killed Mandy who attacked you.” Scarlet said angrily. “All I could do was, wait until you woke up. I couldn’t bring myself to move from here.”

“I did hear when you told someone you were my fiancé.” Sirius said smirking. Scarlet sat up and blushed.

“I swear I meant nothing by it, I was going to get kicked out if I didn’t say it!”

“We’ll talk about that later love.” Sirius said pulling her back down.

“Do you remember the girl?”

“I remember going up to my dorm getting the map and nothing else.” Sirius said focusing. He saw eyes, dark eyes that were mocking him. “All I remember are eyes. Eyes that are as dark as night, evil eyes really.”

“We’ll have time to think about that, right now you need to rest, you’ve been through hell.” Scarlet said sitting up. Sirius pouted at her, “I’m staying on my couch until your bones are as strong as before.”

“I guess I needed a new set of bones, the old ones just weren’t good enough anymore.” Sirius said sleepily. Scarlet smiled and sat on the couch holding his hand. “Will you sing for me? I dunno what you were singing before.”

Scarlet smiled and began to hum a sweet tune he’d never heard before. It was nice and relaxing, he began to drift to sleep again. Eyes… he needed to place a face with the eyes was what he thought as he fell asleep. He had to remember, something depended on it.

~*~*~
“I’m going to go shopping, then to visit Lils love. I want to buy Harry something nice for Halloween since he’s all locked up.” Scarlet said as she put on her jacket. Sirius was sitting in the tiny family room reading the Daily Prophet. Scarlet went and sat on his lap. He put down the paper and grinned at her. He looked at the bright ring on her finger. They were finally engaged, their wedding was going to be the 15th of November. Scarlet kissed him lightly on the lips, “I’ll be back for dinner, you said you’d make me something.”

“I sure will but I’m not sure it’ll be edible.” Sirius said laughing and kissing her again. He deepened the kiss that time. Scarlet pulled away and shook her head.

“I guess I’ll just stop by somewhere and pick something up. Or better yet, we’ll eat dinner with Lils and James.” Scarlet said once again kissing him, “James has been all moody since he has to be locked up. Some company will be good for him. You go and I’ll bring the food.”

“Alright I’ll be there.” Sirius said kissing her one last time. Their kiss was both sweet and passionate. Neither of them wanted to break the embrace. Their lips just seemed to fit perfectly together.

“I have to go Sirius, I’d love to stay here and snog the life out of you but I can’t.” Scarlet said as she got up. Sirius pouted at her, “Oh come on no dog pouts, I’ll see you in a little while. Do you need anything?”

Sirius stood up and followed her to the door. He pulled her to him once again and whispered, “All I need is you.” He kissed her again as she smiled.

“You don’t change Casanova. I meant from the store.”

“I’m good. Just don’t be late, I can’t stand the thought of you being out there alone. Remember to stay in disguise.” Sirius said looking worried. They were both in serious danger since Voldemort was after their best friends and godson. Scarlet smiled.

“I’ll be fine, I always am.” With that she walked swiftly out the door. Sirius sighed and went back to his paper. He sat there not taking in the words he was seeing. He had a strange feeling in the pit of his stomach. He had been having the same feeling since the day he was released from St. Mungos. There was something he was forgetting. Something he couldn’t quite figure out. He sat there thinking for a long while. He checked his watch and saw it was getting late. He wanted to stop by and see Peter before he went to Godric’s Hallow.

He put on his jacket and went out to get his motorbike. He smiled at the sight of his baby. He loved that bike so much. Scarlet despised it saying it wasn’t safe but he adored the feeling of the wind in his hair. He had made some adjustments. He couldn’t believe Muggle bikes couldn’t fly so he made sure his could. He hopped on and turned on the bike. The sweet purr of it was intoxicating to him. As he flew to where Peter was staying he still felt uneasy. Usually flying made him forget all of his worries.

“Wormtail where are you mate?” he asked as he arrived. The door was unlocked and partly opened. There was no sign of struggle. Sirius suddenly felt sick as he ran out to the cold night air. He flew as fast as his motorbike would go. He would have Apparated but they tried to keep Apparations and Floo Network to a minimum seeing as there were so many spies in the Ministry.

His heart dropped to his stomach as he arrived to the shattered house. It had been blown to bits. There was a large man who was bigger than two men put together standing in the ruins of what had been his best friend’s house. The big man was crying and carrying something small in his arms.

“Hagrid… what…?”

“Dumbledore sent meh,” he replied all choked up. “It was like this when I got here.”

“Where are you going with Harry? He should stay with me, I’m his Godfather.” Sirius said as he saw little Harry gurgling in Hagrid’s arms. Hagrid shook his head.

“Dumbledore said I had ter take him and give him to no one else.” he replied quietly. Sirius knew that Dumbledore would believe him to be a traitor. After all, no one knew that they had switched secret keepers. Only James, Lily, and Sirius and… Peter the filthy traitor had known.

“Take my bike Hagrid, it’ll take you safely there. I won’t be needing it anymore” Sirius said sadly. Tears were whelming in his eyes as he approached Hagrid. He handed him the key to his bike. He looked at the infant in the big mans arms. He smiled sadly at his godson knowing he’d probably never see him again, “Goodbye Harry, I’m sorry I failed you.” He kissed his forehead gently.

“Yeh didn’t fail mate. Everything will be ok,” Hagrid said patting Sirius on the shoulder. The pat made Sirius lose his balance. He watched as Hagrid flew away. He turned back to the mess that was left of the house. He saw a messy mop of black hair where the door had once been.

“James…” he said quietly as he cleared everything off the body. His friend’s glasses were shattered. His hazel eyes were opened looking determined. Sirius suddenly heard a pop.

“Sirius what the… NO! Sirius how could you do this?!” Scarlet said dropping everything. Sirius rushed over to her but she pulled out her wand. “Please tell me you didn’t!”

“I swear on everything that I hold dear to me that I didn’t do this! I would rather die that betray them!” Sirius said as tears streamed down his face. Scarlet glared at him.

“You were their secret keeper! Only you could have betrayed them!” Scarlet screamed. She was also crying but her hand was very still as she pointed her wand at Sirius.

“We changed at the very last second! You have to believe me!” Sirius begged. Scarlet still didn’t lower her wand. “You can do Leglimency and see I’m not lying! You know me better than anyone Scarlet! Just look into my head and see I’m not lying!”

“Fine, look into my eyes, Sirius if you’re lying I will murder you right here and now,” Scarlet said as she looked over at James’ body. She suppressed a sob and looked at him. She muttered something and Sirius felt how she went into his mind.

He saw himself telling James to make Peter secret-keeper. He saw as they preformed the spell. He saw himself looking at Peter’s empty house. He saw himself kissing Scarlet as he proposed. He saw himself back in his dorm at Hogwarts looking for the map and turning around to see a girl. He saw a dark pair of eyes. Everything was blank to him after that. Something was wrong. He found the strength somehow to push her out of his mind. He was on the floor panting as he looked up. Scarlet was a crumpled heap on the floor. Her mouth was hanging opened; her eyes were rolling in the back of her head. She was pale and there was blood trickling down her nose.

“Scarlet wake up please!” Sirius said taking her into his arms. She didn’t move, her breathing was very shallow. “Scarlet come on this isn’t funny! Please!”

She didn’t respond. He picked her up as gently as he could and ran to the house next door where a witch lived. He barged in there and asked to borrow her Floo Network.

“I need some help over here!” He shouted as he arrived to St. Mungos. Scarlet was starting to twitch uncontrollably. A Healer appeared and took her on a stretcher.

“Sir you have to wait here.” said a strong looking man. Sirius ignored him until he grabbed his arm, “You must tell me what happened.”

“She was doing Leglimency and then I dunno what happened! I have to go with her! Let me by!” Sirius snapped trying to pull his arm out of the way. The man held his ground. “I need to go to her! She’s the only person I have left! She’s my whole bloody life! Let me go!”

“I know this must be hard but you must wai.,” said the man as he dragged Sirius to a chair. Sirius tried to hit the man but he was just too big. “Let us work and we’ll let you know how she is.”

Sirius paced around the waiting area. His head was filled with so many things he thought it would explode. He couldn’t lose Scarlet too! He was an idiot for suggesting Leglimency. He knew it could go wrong but he was so selfish! He leaned against a wall and punched it repeatedly. It was the memory of the dark eyes that did this to Scarlet. Something had happened that day.

He slid down to the floor and hugged his knees as if he was trying to keep himself from breaking. His best friends were dead, the love of his life was on the verge of dying and it was his fault. He was cursed. Everyone that was near him ended up hurt in some way. He was paying for his last name. Evil was in his blood no matter how hard he tried to avoid it.

“Mr. Black?” a deep male voice interrupted his thoughts. He jumped up and walked over to the healer.

“What’s wrong? How is she? Is she going to be ok?”

“I’m afraid I have some bad news. We did everything we could but-”

“No, no, no! She can’t be dead!”

“She’s not dead. Let me explain. Something went wrong with the Leglimency spell and it backfired. It’s damaged her brain beyond repair. I’m afraid that your fiancé is worse than dead. Her heart is still beating but her brain has turned to mush. I’m terribly sorry.”

“Isn’t there anything you can do?” Sirius shouted. His teeth were clattering, his heart felt like it was about to explode. This couldn’t be happening, none of this was real. It was all just a dream, a terrible nightmare.

“I’m afraid we’ve done everything we could. I’m terribly sorry. You can see her if you like,” the healer said as he looked at Sirius with pity.

Sirius somehow made it to Scarlet’s room. He didn’t know how he had gotten there but he saw her laying there. Her big violet eyes were wide open staring at the ceiling. They looked hazed.

“Scarlet…” Sirius whispered. He felt sick; he wanted to just die right then and there. The pain he felt was unbearable. He touched her face and she looked at him with a blank expression. She only moved her head an inch. “It’s me, Sirius.”

She stared at him not really seeing him. He kissed her forehead and took her hand. Her skin was cold; her usual smell of gardenias was gone. It was replaced by the smell of potions. He couldn’t bare the pain of seeing the love of his life in that way. She had always been so independent, she had always so self-reliant and now she was going to be confined to a bed for the rest of her existent. The girl who taught him about life, about love was no longer there. The healer had been right, this was worse than death.

Sirius remembered that just a few hours ago they had been kissing; they had been talking about the wedding. They had been making plans for the future, a future that didn’t exist thanks to him. He had been stupid to trust Peter! How hadn’t he seen it before? How could he have been so idiotic?

“I’m sorry Scarlet, I love you now and always. I failed you.” he said as he kissed her forehead. A single tear fell from Sirius’ face. “I swear I’ll find him and make him pay. If it’s the last thing I do, I swear I’ll make him pay.”

With that he kissed her again and stormed out of the room.

~*~*~

Sirius shook his head as he saw that the sun was setting over the castle. He saw Buckbeak beginning to doze off. He touched his eyes and saw that he was crying. Those memories would haunt him as long as he was breathing. Scarlet had been his all, she had been his only true love. He missed her so much it hurt; it felt like he was empty. So many years had passed and it seemed like if everything had happened just yesterday.

As he saw the sun set over the lake he remembered the words “I think I need a sunrise, I’m tired of all the sunsets.”

He turned back into the big jet black dog and ran down the mountain. He knew it was dangerous and stupid to even attempt doing that but he needed to do this. He owed her that much.

He snuck into a Muggle’s house and showered. He then borrowed some clothes and a hat. He used his wand to change his appearance slightly.

The streets of London were dark and dreary, he felt anxious and very sad as he reached a broken down building. As he walked down the corridors of St. Mungos he looked at his feet trying not to look suspicious. He walked into an empty ward. The people in it were asleep. He saw Frank and Alice Longbottom sleeping peacefully. He saw a good looking man sleeping with a night cap on. He walked to the far end of the ward. There sitting next to the window staring out was a beautiful woman. Her hair was limp, her face was hollow, but her eyes, her eyes shined in the moonlight just as he remembered.

“Scarlet…” he whispered. She didn’t move. He approached her slowly. She turned to look at him with a blank expression. “Do you remember me? It’s me, Sirius.” She stared at him still not showing any signs that she could hear him. Her eyes looked bigger than he remembered. She smelled of gardenias again. “Please say something to me.”

She turned towards the window again and smiled. Her dimples were just as cute as he remembered. Sirius reached out and touched her face. She closed her eyes and allowed him to run his fingers through her hair. She still showed no sign of her understanding him.

“I’m sorry Scarlet, I’m so sorry! I’d do anything; I mean anything to take your place! I wish it could have been me instead of you!” he whispered as he began to cry. He knelt down before her. She looked down at him simply staring. “I love you so much; I will never stop loving you as long as there is life in me. I’m sorry! Just say anything to me, anything at all! Tell me you know who I am, tell me that somewhere inside of you, you still know me. I’m begging you!”

Scarlet stood up and walked towards a dresser that was near her bed. She reached in and took out a sheet of paper. There was a drawing with the words “Here’s your sunrise.” She handed it to Sirius and went to sit again. Sirius began to sob as he looked at the paper. He knew the healer would be by soon. He stood up and kissed Scarlet on the lips lightly. She backed away at this. He walked out of the room with his head hanging low. He heard a sweet tune coming from where Scarlet was. He remembered the song and muttered the words as tears were streaming down his face, “Don’t worry, about a thing, cuz every little thing, is gonna be alright.”

Scarlet was gone, she would never come back. Her fate was worse than death and yet somewhere inside there was a little bit of her left to help Sirius.

As he walked out of the room he ran into a woman. Her hair was as dark as her eyes. He didn’t look at her too much because he feared he’d be recognized.

“Sorry.” he muttered. She let out a cold laugh that sent chills up his spine. He looked up at her and saw those dark eyes he hated so much. He was frozen in place. Before he could react, she was gone.

Out in the Muggle world a song was floating out the window of a nearby flat. Sirius stood in the moonlight to hear it. It was as if it was written about his love story. He continued to walk as he heard the song.

They grew up in the same old town
Never knowing the other was around
Read from the same damn books
Never caught each others looks
But one day the sun will shine
I know
For their eyes have told me so
Chasing advice from those who say I've lost my mind

Rush together
To find each other
Now it's too late
You can never wait for luck
Together, playing the same instrument
That you still can't hear at all

So that's how the story goes, so far
I'll tell you the rest, but now
I'm tired of what I think
A situation where I can't sing
But I hate the vagrant life
I know
Nothing has been more told, 'till now
Living my life after those who say I've lost my mind

Rush together
To find each other
Now it's too late
You can never wait for luck
Together, playing the same instrument
That you still can't hear at all

So what do you say
So what do you say
Can we turn this clock back
Thirteen years and relate
I won't mind, can we stay
But isn't it fate
But isn't it fate
That we spill our guts out
On this very day
I don't mind
I want to
I want to

Rush together
To find each other
Now it's too late
You can never wait for luck
Together, playing the same instrument
Are you listening at all
Are you listening at all

Everything he lived with Scarlet seemed like part of a beautiful fairytale. He went to sleep that night and dreamt with his forest, there was a girl with beautiful violet eyes waiting for him there. She smiled at him as he ran to take her in his arms. All of it happened once upon a dream.

***
A/N: So here it is, last chapter. First off a Melody's death is thanks to Nick. He asked for it so say thanks to Nick for that one.

Ok a few thanks... HUGE thanks to Triad for not only beta-ing but also letting me use her as a character. She isn't at all like in the story. She's not evils .

Thanks to everyone who has stuck by me from the very beginning of this fic. I know there have been some dull moments but thanks to you all I kept writing and this is the second fanfic I finish! Wow! Thanks to everyone who let me use their phrases every so often .

I hope the ending isn't wasn't a let down. I actually really like this chapter I dunno why. Thanks again everyone and I hope you enjoyed this silly story!

Rush Together by Quiet Drive

Feedback please. Last time I promise