After a long, much longer than we anticipated break from updating we are back and finally posting the sequel to Now and Forever. We are terribly sorry it has taken this long, life has gotten in the way and were not able to finish it. But here it is! We hope you like it!
"Cass, babe we have to get up," Sirius whispered nudging Casselle softly.
"Mhhhh," She moaned rolling away from him.
Sirius laughed softly, "Come on, you know today's a big day, you have to get up."
"Nooo, go away," She mumbled pulling the blanket over her head.
Sirius sighed, "Casselle don't make me do this the hard way."
"You wouldn't dare," she replied her voice muffled by the blanket. "I'd hex you out of your own house."
"No you wouldn't." Sirius countered pulling the blanket off of her and throwing it on the floor.
"SIRIUS!" She yelled curling in on herself and burying her face in her pillow.
"You have to get up."
"I DON'T WANT TO!"
Sirius left for a short amount of time, and Casselle sighed relaxing. He came back a few minutes later and lifted Casselle out of the bed.
"Sirius put me down!" Casselle yelled thrashing in his arms causing him to hold her tighter. "Where are you taking me?" She demanded her eyes still closed, she was determined not to let him win.
He dropped her and she gasped and screamed as her body contacted the bathtub filled with cold water. "I HATE YOU!" She shrieked standing up shivering and glaring at him.
"Casselle you had to get up, I didn't want to do this but you gave me no choice," Sirius replied amusement lighting his face.
"If I had my wand," She seethed.
"Which is exactly why I took you in here far away from your wand. Now get ready, you know the Order meeting is today."
"Today? Why didn't you tell me!" She yelled jumping out of the tub and running back to their room. Sirius sighed following her to get dressed. "We are going to be late! Why didn't you wake me up earlier!" Casselle yelled as she rummaged through her clothes.
"I tried! You wouldn't wake up!" Sirius yelled back throwing on a pair of jeans, and a t-shirt.
"What do you even wear to a meeting where you're going to conspire against a dark wizard?" She asked throwing a dress behind her. "And now I'm all wet! Sirius I am going to kill you."
"Cass just throw on jeans and a shirt it doesn't matter." Sirius said leaving the room to make some breakfast.
Casselle glared at his retreating form before grabbing a light t-shirt and shorts. She walked back into the bathroom to dry off and fix her sopping wet hair. When she walked out half an hour later Sirius already had eggs and bacon waiting for her.
"I made you breakfast will you forgive me now?" Sirius asked with puppy eyes, pulling out her chair.
Casselle's lips pulled at the corners as she tried not to smile, "If you give me a kiss I will."
Sirius smiled, "I can do that."
Casselle laughed as he pulled her into his arms and kissed her fully. When they broke apart Casselle said, "All forgiven."
"Good because I would hate to go to the first meeting in a fight," Sirius said sitting down and tucking into his own plate.
An hour later they had the floo powder ready and Sirius went in first saying '156 Windingway Dr.' before he disappeared. Casselle took a deep breath before following him.
They appeared in the living room of a well decorated house. The furniture was a dark suede material and the pictures on the wall didn't move. They were obviously in a muggle home.
"Ah you've arrived!" Dumbledore said coming into view. "Come we are all gathering in the dining room." He ushered them forward.
Sirius grabbed Casselle's hand before walking through the doorway to find a long table that was partly filled with some former students from Hogwarts, and some people that Casselle had never seen before.
They spotted Lily and James sitting next to a grumpy looking man with long brown hair. They walked over to them glad that some of their friends had arrived.
"Thank god you're here mate," James whispered glancing anxiously at the man sitting next to Lily. "This guy is kind of giving me the creeps. Keeps staring at me and Lils."
Sirius smiled, "Doesn't look that bad," chancing a glance at the man who made eye contact with him causing Sirius to sit back in his seat. "Alright he's kinda weird."
Casselle laughed, "Will you two grow up."
Remus arrived next taking the seat next to Casselle, "A lot of people so far. I wonder where Dumbledore got them from," Remus said as he sat down.
"Who knows, maybe the Auror Department, and former colleagues," Casselle offered.
As the room filled Casselle took in the various people that sat down. She noticed Frank and Alice Longbottom who were a few years older than them in Gryffindor, they had recently gotten married.
"Alright it looks like everyone is here," Dumbledore said standing at the end of the table as the group of people started to quiet down. "Excellent. Now I would like to welcome the new members," he said nodding to the small group of Gryffindors and a few Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws who had also recently graduated. "It is an honor that you joined us to fight against this great evil. But it is also a great risk and you all must understand the dangers that you're embarking."
Casselle turned to Sirius who grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze giving her a comforting smile. She smiled back in return, this is where they belonged no matter the consequences.
"In joining us you are putting yourself, and even your families in danger. I suggest after this meeting you discuss with them the dangers and prepare them for the long road ahead. I will not lie and say that we haven't lost many in this war, but we are also holding our own in this fight. Voldemort not only targets us personally, but he will try and target your families. Your first priority is and should be your family. Add protections to their houses, or even hide them away. Voldemort has not reached the far side of the country and we believe they will be safe there. Now that you can all understand the severity of the situation, I must ask again if anyone feels that they shouldn't be here or don't want to take the risks please leave now. No one will judge you for your choice it is honorable to know your limits." Dumbledore paused allowing anyone to leave, Casselle scanned the room and noticed all the determined faces around her and knew no one wanted to leave. They knew what they were getting into and she admired that.
"Alright now on to more pressing business, Voldemort has been increasing his army by taking in the giants of the north as well as some dementors, I will not put it past him to achieve complete control over the dementors soon. What is most important is the fact that he is going to start attempting to take over the werewolf population."
At Dumbledore's words Casselle felt Remus go rigid and sit up straighter, she laid a hand on his knee in comfort. He turned to her with a small smile before they both turned to Dumbledore.
"I believe our first priority is to stop this, with werewolves at his disposal he could create an even larger army. That coupled with the infection of innocent people could prove disastrous. I need some people to go to the underground werewolf camps and try to reason with them." He turned his head to Remus. "Remus I know that you haven't been out of school long, but if you could help us with this it would be greatly appreciated."
Casselle caught her breath in shock as everyone turned to Remus who kept a straight face as he stared back at his former headmaster. "I would be honored to help," Remus said shortly.
"Thank you, you will not be alone we will have Frank and Benjy accompany you." Dumbledore said turning to the two young men to his right who nodded their consent. "Now that that is settled I believe we should all get to know each other so that we will be better able to fight next to one another." Dumbledore said with a wave of his hand.
People slowly started standing and turning to the people around them starting conversations. Casselle turned to Sirius who shrugged and stood. As they were about to say something to James and Lily they heard a gruff throat clearing behind James. They all turned to see the grumpy man standing before them.
"So I hear you all are attempting to become Aurors," He said looking at them intently.
"Well we are," James said gesturing to everyone but Lily. "This one's going into healing," he said with a smile throwing his arm around Lily's shoulder, who blushed violently.
"You're going to have some work ahead of you," he said. "My name is Alastar Moody head of the Auror Department," he said holding out his hand. They each shook his hand and introduced themselves.
"Black? As in 'the Blacks' one of the most powerful wizarding family?" He asked narrowing his eyes at Sirius.
"The one and only," Sirius said with his cocky grin in place.
"Well this is a surprise."
"Was a surprise to my mum to, when she found out. Wished it was enough of a shock to kill her," Sirius said plainly.
Moody studied him before turning to Remus. "You boy are going to have some trouble in reaching your goal."
Remus stared back intent not to let his emotions show, "If I didn't try I'd just be letting them win."
"Spoken like a true marauder!" James said slapping Remus on his back. "We'll fight those Ministry bastards till the end! They'll have to give you a job so that you can keep Sirius and I here in line."
Remus smiled softly, while Moody just studied them. "Loyal friends, that's important in times like these. You can't be sure who you can trust now a days. Constant Vigilance," Moody said before turning to leave.
Casselle tried to hide a smile while Sirius was snickering next to her. "Weird man," he muttered.
"Shh," Casselle said nudging him. "He could be the deciding factor in us getting a job, you better show him respect." She said narrowing her eyes at him.
"Don't worry babe, we're a shoe in for the job. He has to, if we don't have the proper training we won't be able to have his back in a battle." He said shrugging.
Casselle rolled her eyes in exasperation, "What did he mean about Remus?" She asked as Sirius's easy grin faded and they all looked to Remus.
"The Ministry has been passing new laws restricting the employment of werewolves," Remus said as Casselle and Lily gasped.
"But they can't! You need to live to!" She exclaimed.
"They're just forcing werewolves to do illegal things in order to stay alive, and then they can bust them for it," Sirius said darkly.
"That's why Dumbledore is so worried about the werewolves. With the new restrictions they are bound to go to Voldemort's side where they will have more freedoms." Remus said sadly. "The Ministry is just doing Voldemort a favor."
"Bastards," Sirius remarked. "Well I reckon we should spread out and meet some of our new allies." Sirius said looking around the room. They all nodded while Sirius lowered his head to Casselle's ear. "Stay with me?"
She nodded, "Of course," She smiled leaning up and giving him a quick peck on the cheek.
They spent the rest of the day talking with various members of the Order, most were in their twenties but there were a few like Moody and Dumbledore that were older. Casselle felt an instant connection with some of them knowing she would enjoy working with them.
Before Casselle and Sirius were about to leave, Dumbledore stopped them. "Casselle can I speak to you in private for a moment?" He asked.
Casselle nodded leaving Sirius by the fireplace watching her leave with Dumbledore warily.
"Casselle I would like to talk to you about your abilities," Dumbledore said. "I know you have improved immensely since we first started working on it two years ago. Which is why I'm going to ask you to give your time more than your fellow order members."
"What do you mean?" She asked slightly confused.
"I would like you to partake in more missions, with your abilities it will help greatly in fights."
Casselle nodded, knowing Sirius was not going to like this. "I'd be honored professor."
"Great, I am glad. And Casselle you aren't in school anymore, no need to call me professor."
"Right." She said with a nod before heading back to Sirius.
"What was that about?" Sirius asked taking her hand as they walked to the fireplace.
"I'll tell you later," She said as she took a handful of floo powder and threw it in naming Sirius's loft.
When they were back and Casselle had sat at the couch motioning for Sirius to join her, she let out a sigh. "Dumbledore asked me to be involved in more missions because of my power. He said it will help with the fighting," She said softly intertwining their fingers and rubbing her thumb around the back of his hand.
"What?" Sirius asked starting to stand, but Casselle held him back.
"Sirius it's fine. This is what we signed up for."
"But you're putting yourself in greater danger, not to mention becoming a bigger target." Sirius said running a hand through his hair agitated. "Your brother is already out for blood, and you've defied Voldemort once. Cass this isn't a good idea," Sirius said shaking his head.
"Well good thing it isn't your decision to make," Casselle said stubbornly. "I'm doing this, Dumbledore needs as much help as he can get, and I am not going to deny him a huge advantage because it's a little dangerous."
"A little dangerous! This is incredibly dangerous! You're putting yourself at the front line of these missions, you will be the first targeted. Cass please don't do this," Sirius pleaded his grey eyes smoldering with worry.
Casselle laid her hand against his cheek, "Sirius I have to. You know I do, this isn't just about us, it's about the whole wizarding community," Casselle said softly.
"Fine, but I'm coming with you." Sirius said defiantly.
"What?" Casselle asked taking her hand away from his cheek.
"If you are going to throw yourself in the line of fire, I'm coming with you. Someone needs to be around to save you when you are caring too much about the community and not enough about your own life," Sirius said determined.
"But-" Casselle started worried for his own life.
"Don't but me Casselle Marie, if you can put your life in danger for people you hardly know, I can put my life in danger for the woman I love."
Casselle smiled tears coming to her eyes, she threw her arms around him. "I love you so much," she whispered burying her face in his shoulder.
He tightened his arms around her relishing in the feel of her warm body pressed against his, "I love you too Cass, more than you can imagine."
The next few meetings Dumbledore had Casselle and Sirius stay behind so they could practice some more of Casselle using her power while dueling. She had excelled easily by her determination. She could hear Sirius's every move before he made it after only a month of practicing.
There hadn't been many disturbances made by the Death Eaters at the time, they were lucky it allowed them all to get settled into their own lives outside of school. James had finally asked Lily to move in with him a month after they got out of school.
It happened at night while Casselle was asleep resting her head on Sirius's soft chest when they heard the alarm blare through their flat. Casselle jerked awake immediately while Sirius groggily pulled her back.
"Sirius!" She called anxiously. "It's the alarm, we have to go!"
He jumped up shaking the sleep from him. "What happened?" He asked grabbing his pants.
"I don't know, it just went off. We have to go to headquarters," Casselle said throwing on a shirt and then a sweatshirt over her pants.
Sirius grabbed his wand shutting off the alarm that still blared around them, and grabbed Casselle's hand as they apparated to headquarters. They spotted James and Lily instantly, "What's going on?" Sirius asked as he pulled Casselle after him.
"There's been an attack on a muggle village," James said his arm tightly around Lily. "We were just getting ready to leave."
"We'll head out with you," Sirius said turning to Casselle. She nodded squeezing his hand as James told them the name of the village. Sirius pulled Casselle away a little telling James and Lily to go ahead. "I love you," He said holding her face in his hands.
"I know, I love you too," She said her throat tightening as she understood the meaning of this exchange. "But I'm not going to say goodbye to you, and you aren't either. We'll be fine," She said placing her hands on his cheek. "Now let's go save some muggles," She said planting a kiss on his lips before pulling back and taking his hand, apparating together.
They appeared a few blocks from where the stream of spells were, they let go of each other's hands and hurried off in that direction. They're mission was just to get the muggles out of the area, but it was a lot more difficult than it sounded, death eaters were casting spells from inside the houses where the muggles lived and no one could get in.
Casselle took in the scene in front of her with a gasp. There were at least ten houses that had death eaters in them, most of the front of the houses were blasted away by the force of the spells that were flying around. Bodies were lying dead on the ground, some muggle and some death eater. Casselle shot a curse at a death eater that was setting a house on fire with two small children looking out the window in terror. The spell shot the death eater back a few yards letting out a grunt as he hit the ground.
Casselle ran closer ready to strike again, she flicked her wand causing his wand to fly out of his hands and threw him back in to a large tree a few feet away. He landed with a sickening crack and laid motionless on the ground.
She blasted water on the house dousing the flames immediately. She ran inside to collect the family, she noticed a man lying on the ground of the living room unmoving. She checked his pulse confirming he was dead, Casselle took a deep breath to steady herself as she placed a blanket over him and went up the stairs to where the two children were. A woman had joined them in the room and they lay huddled on the bed together.
"You have to come with me, I'm here to help you." Casselle said slowly holding out her hand. The mother shrunk back holding the children tighter. "I promise you, I will get you out of here safely but we have to leave now." The mother hesitated again before taking Casselle's hand slowly.
Casselle led them down the stairs and out the back door away from the war going on behind them. "This way," Casselle said pushing the family in front of her. She wasn't sure where she should take them all she knew was she wanted to get them far from the battle.
When they got past their yard line Casselle put an invisible charm on them telling them to keep going, somewhere public and stay there. Just as she was about to turn back to the battle a curse hit her knocking her to the ground. She went to get up only to be hit with the Cruciatus curse. She cried out in pain as she writhed on the ground.
The death eater stopped for a second but it was enough for Casselle to cast a shield charm and focus her mind on his. Filthy muggle loving witch. This will teach you. Avada-
Before he could get the second word out Casselle threw him back into the house as his wand flew out of his hand rope erupted from her wand tying him up tightly. She ran around the house back to where the rest of them were fighting. She scanned the area searching for Sirius or any one of her friends. She saw James a few yards away but she couldn't find Sirius. Panicking she took off down the street in search for him, but when she saw a young girl huddled in a bush she stopped.
"Hi, my name's Casselle do you know where you mum and dad are?" She asked softly crouching down next to the bush. The little girl shook her head. "I'm going to get you out of here okay?" She said holding out her hand. The little girl nodded but before she could take her hand Casselle was thrown back. She landed about a foot away from James who looked over at her anxiously. He was dueling vigorously with a death eater.
As Casselle struggled to get up she felt herself lifted into the air, "Well isn't this a surprise little sis," She heard her brother drawl out. She glared down at him in his hood and mask. She fought against the spell but he had her body bound. "Goodbye little sis," He said before throwing her back into a tree, causing a loud cracking noise.
When she hit the ground she heard Sirius call out to her frantically before everything went black.
Casselle woke with a terrible headache. She held her hand to her head as she tried to sit up, but the pain was too much so she just laid there looking around. She could see the plain walls of headquarters surrounding her, but where was everyone? She thought.
Her mind was reeling back to the fight and wondering what happened, she remembered the little girl, and James and… "Sirius!" She cried out remembering she couldn't find him during the battle. Her mind imagining the worst caused her throat to close as she moved to get out of the bed. "Sirius!" She called hoping to hear an answer.
Her head pounding as she moved, her throat started closing as tears started to build up in her eyes. She tried to stand but her body wouldn't obey her commands. "Sirius…" She whispered.
"Casselle?" She heard that voice she knew so well. She whipped her head up causing a shooting pain through her head but she didn't care because she was staring into those gray eyes.
She pushed her body off the bed running to him even as her body screamed in protest. "Sirius, oh thank Merlin," She whispered burying her teary eyes in his chest.
He wrapped his arms around her tightly. "Cass it's okay, but you shouldn't be up you had a nasty fall." He whispered rubbing her back.
"I didn't know where you were. I couldn't find you," She whispered holding him tighter.
"I'm alright. I'm sorry Dumbledore said you were probably going to be waking up soon so I was getting you some breakfast. I thought I'd be back in time." He said leading her back to the bed. "How are you feeling?" He asked sitting her down next to him.
"Alright I guess. My head hurts, how long have I been asleep?" She asked still holding on to him afraid to let him go for even a second.
"Almost a day and a half." Sirius said rubbing her back soothingly. "Cass I was so terrified, I saw you get lifted into the air, but there was nothing I could do," He said his voice strained. "I had two death eaters after me, and James tried but you were falling so quickly. He managed a small cushion charm before the death eaters attacked him full force."
"I'm okay," She said softly. "I couldn't find you. I went searching for you when I saw that little girl in the bushes. I had to help her, but Nate..." She trailed off remembering the quick reflexes of her brother. "I was so stupid I should have been ready for him," she said annoyed.
"No, Cass. He was waiting for you. He placed the child there knowing you would see her, and then waited until you had your back turned."
"But how-?" Casselle asked confused.
"They found the little girl shortly after we brought you back. She said a man in a hood told her to wait in the bush and be a good girl and he would bring back her parents."
"Oh God…" Casselle choked out a new fear taking over. "Those families? Did they get out?" She asked.
"The family you charmed got away, but not many were so lucky. We tried but by the time we got there so many were already dead. We managed to save a few of them, they have had their memories swiped and are now living far away from England," Sirius said. "Listen Casselle I want to take you somewhere tonight," He said trying to steer Casselle away from the sad thoughts of the muggles they couldn't save.
"You do? Where?" She asked pulling her head away from his chest to look into his eyes.
He smiled down at her kissing her on her forehead, "It's a secret."
"Hey Padfoot! Padfoot!" They heard James's voice coming from Sirius's pocket. Casselle raised her eyebrows at him. "Sorry, James told me I had to keep it on me, Lily's been going crazy but she had to go for Healer training. Hold on," He said pulling the mirror out of his pocket. "Hey Prongs she's fine, woke up a few minutes ago."
"Minutes ago! I told you to call me immediately! Lily is at my throat over this whole thing." James said exasperated.
"Mate she was a little distressed waking up in a bed not knowing what really happened. I had to calm her down. Chill out." Sirius said rolling his eyes at Casselle.
Casselle smiled, tilting the mirror towards her. "Hi, James. Tell Lily not to worry I am completely fine."
"Cass thank God! I tried to kill that son of a bitch but he apparated right after you fell, and those death eaters were relentless." James rambled.
"James, she really doesn't need to hear all this right now, We'll come over later." Sirius said.
"Alright yeah sorry Cass. We'll see you later!" He called before disappearing.
"Are you alright?" Sirius asked eying Casselle cautiously.
"Yeah my headache is almost gone now," Casselle said rubbing it softly. "Though I am hungry."
"I bet you are," Sirius said standing up and holding his hand out to her.
Sirius had whipped up pancakes and they ate them in the dining room before heading back to their flat. Casselle took a quick shower, before they went over to James and Lily's.
"So when are we going to this surprise place?" Casselle asked sliding her arms around his neck.
"Later tonight," Sirius replied kissing her lips. "And before you get any ideas you can't seduce it out of me," He said with a smirk.
Casselle glared at him before grabbing a jacket. Sirius just laughed before grabbing her hand to apparate them.
"Casselle!" Lily cried running out the front door at the sound of the loud crack.
"Lily!" Casselle let go of Sirius's hand holding Lily in a tight embrace.
"Oh we were so worried, you had so many broken bones, and it was just awful." Lily said pulling back to fully look at her best friend. "How are you feeling now?"
"Much better, how many broken bones did I have?" Casselle asked confused looking between Lily and Sirius.
"You don't know?"
Casselle shook her head, as Sirius wrapped his arm around her, "I didn't want you to worry, you were healed up real quick." Sirius said sheepishly.
"You had a broken arm, both legs, multiple ribs, and your wrist was also broken," Lily said softly.
"Wow, I'm glad I stayed unconscious for that," Casselle said taking it in. Sirius's arm tightened around her, and she rubbed his back to show she was okay. "Come on, let's get an official look at this place," Casselle said motioning to the flat behind Lily.
"Oh yes! You must see it! Cass I absolutely love it," She gushed pulling her friend in after her.
Lily and Casselle spent the better part of an hour touring the flat and talking excitedly. "We invited Remus and Peter to come of course, they were worried about you too. Dumbledore told us all to leave because it would overwhelm you. Sirius was the worst, when he saw you fall…" Lily shivered remembering it herself.
"Lily tell me, he hasn't talked much about it," Casselle said taking her friends hand.
"He blasted the two death eaters he was dueling in one spell, and ran to you, that's when Nathaniel disapparated. He was screaming for you to wake up, holding you to him. You were lucky, I think the spell James did protected your neck and back from breaking. But you're body was so broken," Lily trailed off wiping her eyes before the tears fell. "Fortunately the death eaters seemed to have had their fun and left, Sirius took you straight to headquarters yelling for Dumbledore. He wouldn't leave your side even when they had to perform the spells to right your limbs. He just stared at you with this odd expression, I couldn't quite place it. Then when they were all done and they told us you would be fine he just sat down and stroked your hair and face, that's when Dumbledore told the rest of us to leave." Lily finished.
Casselle looked across the room, to where James and Sirius were laughing about something, he looked so at ease it pained her to know that just yesterday he was so distraught with worry and fear for her life.
"We all know how much he cares about you Cass, but yesterday I think it really hit him how important you are to him," Lily said glancing over at James the same feelings going through her.
"Yeah. I never doubted my love for him, but when I couldn't find him at the fight my world almost stopped. He's taking me somewhere special tonight, but he won't tell me where. I wonder what he's planning," She said taking her eyes off of the love of her life and turning to her friend.
"Probably just wants to spoil you to no end, now that you're well." Lily said with a smile.
"I hope so," Casselle said with a laugh.
"Moony! Wormy! It's been too long!" James yelled clapping a hand on his two friends backs.
"James we saw you yesterday," Remus said reasonably.
"Well it seems like forever, since we used to see way too much of each other at school. Especially Padfoot." James said with a smile.
"What do you mean?" Casselle asked raising her eyebrows at Sirius questioningly.
The boys burst out laughing, while Sirius just smiled. "Sirius was a little too comfortable with his body." James explained. "Half the time he would walk out of the bathroom stark naked, and on occasion he would sleep in the nude."
Casselle just smiled, "Oh really?" She said as Sirius slid his arm around her nuzzling her neck.
"In my defense it became a habit from home, when I kept trying to give that wretched house elf a heart attack," he said into her neck.
They just laughed at him before settling into the living room.
"Casselle you're looking much better," Remus said as they sat down.
"I feel great! I had a headache when I woke up but it was gone by the time we finished breakfast," She said with a soft smile.
They continued to talk in an easy manner, though Casselle noticed that Peter seemed to be saying less and less. "Peter are you okay? You've been awfully quiet?" She asked curiously.
"What?" Peter squeaked. "Yeah I'm fine. Just preoccupied I guess."
"Probably thinking about his little girlfriend he's been hiding from us," Sirius said wiggling his eyebrows at Peter.
"Peter you're seeing someone?" Lily asked a little astonished.
"Yeah, said that's why he hasn't been able to meet up with us lately," James said slightly offended to be dissed for a girlfriend.
"Peter, you should invite her over!" Lily said excitedly. "We'd love to meet her."
"I-I would but she's pretty shy, and doesn't like to meet many new people." Peter said anxiously.
"Oh," Lily said.
"That's not it, Peter is just worried we'll spill his embarrassing little secrets," Sirius said smirking.
"I am not!" Peter said angrily.
"Relax Pete we would never betray you like that," Sirius said with a twinkle in his eye.
"Alright Sirius enough," Casselle said placing her hand on his knee. "Well we'd love to meet her Peter, maybe just for lunch?" She suggested.
"Yeah I'll talk to her about it," Peter said quickly darting his eyes around.
Casselle narrowed her eyes in confusion, he seemed to be acting weirder than usual, she thought. Before she could think about it too long, Sirius leaned toward her ear, "We should get going, so you can get ready for tonight," he whispered.
"I have to get ready? So it's a fancy place?" she asked innocently.
"A little but that's all you're getting out of me," He said kissing her cheek and standing up. "Well we have to get going, we'll see you guys around."
"You're leaving now?" James asked trying to hide a smile.
"Yes James, now contain yourself before you wet your pants," Sirius warned. Casselle watched the exchange, James knew something she didn't.
She tried to move to walk towards James, but Sirius still had her hand, she raised her eyebrows at him. "Oh no you don't. I know how that little mind works, I also know that even though James is my best mate he is awful at keeping secrets. You're not going anywhere," He said pulling her closer to him. She pouted folding her arms in front of her chest.
"Oh Casselle don't look so upset, this could be the happiest or saddest night of your life," James called ducking as Sirius threw a pillow at him.
"James! You better keep your mouth shut, unless you want Lily to know some of your secrets." Sirius growled. Casselle smiled slightly, as James clamped his mouth shut.
"Bye Lily, I'll talk to you tomorrow," Casselle said hugging her friend. She said goodbyes to the boys as well, though Sirius wouldn't let her near James.
As Casselle curled her hair and started to pin it up, Sirius stilled her hands, "I like it better down," He whispered leaning down to kiss her neck.
Casselle smiled, "You're really not going to tell me where we're going?"
"Nope." He said with a smirk moving back to the closet. "When haven't my surprises ever been good?" He asked rummaging deeper in the closet.
Casselle sighed, "Never," she said with a smile remembering his remarkable surprises that always left her breathless.
"Exactly, now I think you should wear this tonight," He said pulling a box out of the closet.
"Where did that come from?" She asked walking over to him and opening the box. "I didn't buy that."
"I know, I did while you were in the shower earlier."
"Sirius you shouldn't have," Casselle said taking the box.
"Don't tell me what I shouldn't do, of course I should've. Open it."
She set the box on the bed and opened it gasping. "Sirius, this is gorgeous!" She exclaimed admiring the lilac dress that was folded nicely in the box. She pulled it out watching as it shimmered down to the floor. "I- Thank you!" She said pulling him into a hug. "I love it!"
"I'm glad you like it." He said pulling her back. "Why don't you finish getting ready and I'll be back in a few minutes." He said giving her a quick kiss.
"Where are you going?" She asked.
"It's a secret," he said with a smile. "I'll be back before you know it." He said leaving the room and apparating. She furrowed her brow in confusion before going to put on the dress.
She slid the silky material over her head admiring the way the material clung to her figure. The neckline was low but still modest showing just a hint of her chest. The color brought out the color in her cheeks, Sirius really had done a fantastic job.
After she finished getting ready she moved to the living room to wait for Sirius to get back. After a few minutes Sirius popped back in. "Are you ready?" He asked smoothing out his black shirt and white tie.
She jumped up excitedly, "Yep!" She said taking his hand.
Sirius smiled, "You have to close your eyes though. I don't want the surprise to be revealed too soon."
She narrowed her eyes at him but did as she was told and closed her eyes.
"Alright prepare yourself," He whispered in her ear before kissing her cheek and disapparating. "Are you ready?" Casselle nodded excitedly. "Alright open your eyes," he said softly.
She opened them only to be faced with the amazing sight of the sun setting over their beach. As the sun set slanting across the beach she noticed the glowing orbs of light floating around their heads. She was breathless as she took it all in, and turned to Sirius who was standing over a blanket and a picnic basket filled with food.
She gasped, "Sirius," She said laying her hand over her mouth as she walked toward him. "This." She couldn't even form words to describe the feelings that were swarming her.
"Do you like it?" He asked holding up a bottle of champagne. She nodded unable to talk, tears of happiness clouded her vision. "Cass…" He trailed off noticing the tears. He put down the wine and hurried toward her. "Cass what's wrong?" He asked holding her arms.
"I'm fine," She choked out wiping at her eyes. "Sirius this is beautiful. I can't even tell you how amazing this is," She said wrapping her arms around him. "I love you."
"I'm glad you like it," Sirius said kissing her hair. "I love you too, now can we enjoy it?"
Casselle laughed and nodded as Sirius led her to the blanket where she sat down across from him.
Sirius pulled out some pieces of baguettes and cheese passing her some as he spread the cheese. They ate their fill of grapes, cheese and bread before Sirius pulled out slices of ham that he laid out on bread. They sipped their champagne and ate their dinner stealing silent glances of the other and smiling contentedly. After they finished the sandwiches he pulled out a perfectly decorated plate of chocolate covered strawberries. They took turns feeding each other the sweet delicious fruit.
After they had finished eating Casselle leaned back the most content she had ever been. "Sirius this is really incredible, how did you ever pull this off?" She asked looking out at the sea.
"A marauder does not reveal his secrets," He said looking over at her his stomach filling with an uncomfortable fluttering. Casselle just laughed letting the air catch her hair. Sirius took a deep breath trying to control his nerves as he reached for something behind his back. "Cass I erm…got you something," He said holding a book out to her.
"Pride and Prejudice? Sirius you know I already own this," She said taking it confusion etched across her face.
"Just open it," He said fiddling with his hands.
She eyed him for a second before opening it, she flipped through the pages and gasped when she neared her favorite part. "Sirius…." She couldn't say anything else as she stared down at the diamond ring that was tied to a string framed with a layer of pages cut out. She looked up at him speechless.
He stood pulling her with him, and kneeled before her taking the book out of his hands. She covered her face with her hands too stunned to talk.
"Casselle Marie Dawson, I have liked a lot of girls in my life but there has never been one that could even come close to measuring up to you. I knew I loved you the second I kissed you, but I didn't come to terms with that love until I realized you would put yourself in danger for the greater good, and I knew without a doubt in my mind that I loved you and couldn't live a second without you. Our relationship hasn't been perfect but we took the struggles and obstacles head on and our love grew stronger with every one. I know I wanted to wait but when I saw you unconscious on that bed I knew there was no point in waiting, because I love you more than life itself and don't want to spend my life with anyone else. You are beautiful in every possible way, and have been through so much, and I want to be the one that you come to when you're scared, angry, happy or sad, because I couldn't bare you going to someone else. You are the first person I have ever said I love you to, and I want you to be the last. So will you do me the honor of becoming my wife and making me the happiest man alive?" He asked choking out the last words as tears threatened his eyes.
Casselle stared down at him, tears rolling down her face unattended. She couldn't form words, her throat had closed completely and she could hardly express the way her heart swelled and her stomach flipped with excitement and joy beyond anything she had ever felt.
"Cass?" Sirius asked anxiously.
She nodded, trying to clear her throat, "Yes," she croaked out. "Yes so many times over. Yes!" She cried as he stood up and pulled her into his arms swinging her in circles unable to contain his joy. "Yes. Yes. Yes." She just repeated it unable to grasp the reality of this incredible moment. "I will marry you Sirius Orion Black," She whispered. He pulled her back only to kiss her longingly.
She fell backwards on to the blanket with the force, laughing as he covered her face with kisses. She pulled his shirt up unable to contain herself, she needed him and all of him at this moment of pure joy. Sirius leaned up and smiled pulling off his tie. He pulled off her dress, as she undid his pants. In second they were both naked their skin hot to the touch in their anticipation.
"Sirius," She gasped out as he trailed kisses down her body. He moved back up to her mouth trapping her lips with his before he slid into her. They each marveled in the slow gentle movement of his hips, each content with the feel of each other.
When they finally went over that edge it was one of the most powerful sensations Casselle had ever felt. As Sirius laid down moving so only his head rest on her chest as they each caught their breath.
"Sirius…" She said her breathing still heavy.
He leaned his head up looking at her. She sifted her fingers through his damp silky hair. She couldn't say anything, she didn't want to say anything, she just wanted to stay in this moment where the war was away from them and they had their whole lives ahead of them.
He smiled up at her his wicked smile. "Want to go swimming?" He asked cocking an eyebrow.
Casselle let out a breathy laugh, "I don't think I can move."
"I wore you out that much? I thought I was marrying the adventurous Casselle Dawson," Sirius said feigning disappointment.
"You are." She said with a smile. "You are marrying the adventurous Casselle Dawson, and I am marrying the cocky, mischievous Sirius Black."
"That you are," He said kissing her on the lips. He pulled back sitting up and rummaging in their things. He came back holding the ring, and slid it on her left ring finger, "At least now you are."
She smiled down at it then at him throwing her arms around him and kissing him soundly. "I think I'm ready for that swim now."
He smiled pulling her up and they ran into the water splashing each other before diving down underwater. They met grabbing each others hands under the water. They pulled up breaking the surface at the same time entangling each other with their limbs and pulling the other to their lips.
They stayed in the water for almost an hour before heading back to their clothes and picnic. They dressed quickly both eager to get back to their flat so they could christen their bed as a new engaged couple.
"Are you ready my lovely fiancée?" Sirius asked knowing he could live in this moment for the rest of his life.
"I am," She said taking his hand and apparating back to the flat. They barely landed when they dropped the food and half of their clothes and hurried toward the bedroom laughing.
Casselle sat with her back resting against the head board staring down at the glistening ring on her finger. The diamond was circular and a little larger then what was practical with a white gold band. The jewel caught the morning light that was seeping in through the window casting rainbow colored prisms across the blanket and wall.
I'm getting married, she thought to herself a small smile on her lips.
Well there you have it! They're engaged! We hope you like it, and please review! We love to hear your comments!