It's All Coming Back to Me Know
By: x_Arikinns_x
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters except for the few I made up. Most of the characters mentioned belong to J. K. Rowling or my friends, whose role-play characters I used.
Summary: Sirius leaves for 'Order Business' at all times of the day, leaving his 'girl,' Ari, at home all the time. One day, getting another 'urgent' owl, Ari finally snaps, causing the bond between the two to break. So, fifteen years later, she's forced herself to rid of every memory of Sirius to the far reaches of her mind, thinking that she'd never see him again. But, what happens if those memories come back to haunt her? And what is the deal with that big, black, bear like dog at the station?
Prologue: Because You Loved Me
The bone chilling wind swept across the still street, the coloring leaves being blown about the yards. Oh it was a blistery day indeed. The setting sun cast a beautiful ray down upon the quaint little town, showering it with its warm kisses. All was peaceful in the humble town, as peaceful as it could get at least.
A quite unusual home in the small town had a slight difference to it than the other houses. Strange sounds came from it at all times of the day. Muttering of words un-known to muggle ears came from it. Flashes of colorful lights shone from it, and occasional yells and hollers came from it as well. Like mentioned before, unusual indeed.
On the outside, it was a plain home. Nothing special. It had a chimney, a small patch of flowers growing in the small garden, a window in the front, a plain colored door; average home. But that was on the outside. On the inside, lived two young adults. No more than the ages of nineteen; Friends from their first year at the school they attended; Lovers since their last year; A "perfect couple" to an outsider.
One of the two young adults was a young looking woman. Her knee length copper/brown tresses; in the same fashion since she was but a mere child, two pigtails, hung loosely at her sides. Her deep violet eyes, constantly blinking, had a mischievous glint to them. A tan that she received from all those years in that muggle swim class, still lingered along with her freckles; that dappled her cheeks and nose. Standing at a height of 5' 3" at the age of nineteen was nothing to brag about. It was a curse to her, something all women in her mother's side of the family received. 'A woman from the Kokorashi line normally didn't surpass the height of five foot even.' Her mother told her once when she as but a babe.
But this Kokorashi woman wasn't 'normal.' Sure she was a certified witch and a pretty good one, but that's not what I meant. Not your normal girl is an understatement to begin with for her. A Kokorashi girl was never normal compared to the rest of the world. For example, she was destined to marry someone long before they were born. Another example, the unusual hyper-ness one does emit. For this Kokorashi, 'hyper' is not in her vocabulary. 'Hyper' for this woman was everyday life, But seeing her 'hyper'? Not a pretty sight. The odd way she could be 'hyper' one moment and then be as useless as a crumpled leaf. Strange, but this was the way the woman could be. That's how Arianne Megumi Mikagame Kokorashi, or 'Ari' as she loved to be called, was.
Now, for the other inhabitant of the house -no, not another Kokorashi, and no, not another female- yes, it's a male. Not just any male, mind you. It's none other than the mischievous, handsome, Sirius Black. Yes, the one and only. What? You do not know of this boy- no- Man? He was one of the four in a small group of young "hoodlums" in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. His best friends were James Potter-yes you heard me, James Potter- and Remus J. Lupin. Sure, there was also Peter Pettigrew, but he didn't really call him a 'friend'. He called him the 'tag along'. Still don't know?
His eyes, such a beautiful shade of deep brown, a chocolate brown, always twinkling in a glint some would call mischievous, but others would say it had a sexy glint to them. Some called it 'Kiss me Sweet' brown. Why? No one really knows. Maybe it's because when you'd look into them, if you were a girl of course, you'd melt like chocolate. Yum. Chocolate. And his smile, so smug looking yet so, so... handsome. His skin, shaded lightly tan as if he played out in the sun too long, so...perfect, to some girls at least. He had a tenor voice that had a smooth musical whim to it. His dark brown, nearly black tresses would fall ever so slightly over the "Kiss Me Sweet" eyes of his, giving him a devilish look. Charismatic, charming, devilish good looks, a warm, bark-like laughter, "Kiss Me Sweet" eyes, that perfectly placed hair, the epitome of perfection to Ari Kokorashi.
Lovers from their long ago teens years, as mentioned before, the two were called 'the perfect couple' along with a certain Potter and Evans and Lupin and Wolf. That's correct. Ari Kokorashi, Sirius Black, James Potter, Lily Evans, Remus Lupin, and Tala Wolf, friends since their first years at Hogwarts, and sweet hearts in their seventh. Such sweet memories; all full of sorrow, sadness, joy, and smiles. Frowns, tears, grins and laughs. Everything that would make a relationship 'work.'
The wind continued to sweep across the streets, blowing the fall leaves this way and that. A familiar flash of bright red light shone from the cracks and windows of the house inhabited by Ari and Sirius, soon followed by the yells and yowls.
"Damn cat!" Sirius Black yelled, aiming his wand at the frightened little kitten. "Get your bloody little arse back here, you beast!"
The small black kitten, with its adorable white tail, ran behind its 'master,' Ari. The kitten's fur stood on end, hissing and spitting from behind Ari, as it saw Sirius stride closer, wand out stretched.
"This is the last time your dear cousin will- " Sirius stepped back as Ari angrily took a step forward. Her kind, lightly tanned face held a scowl, as she took another step forward. Sirius stepped back, hands raised in mock surrender, a nervous chuckle escaping from his lips.
"And exactly what are you going to do to Taka-chan, Sirius Black?" Ari asked haughtily, placing her hands on her hips. One of the two usual pigtails hung over one shoulder; while the other stayed at the back. Wearing a plain black shirt and grey sweatpants, an apron was firmly wrapped about her small waist, looking as if she was making dinner, which she was before she was rudely interrupted by the usual fighting of her boyfriend and cousin.
Yes, you heard correctly. Cousin. For you see, "Taka" isn't your average cat. In fact, he wasn't a cat at all. He was Taka Hibiya, the older cousin of Ari on her mother's side. He was accustomed to the "ways" of the Kokorashi family and was all too glad to be his little cousin's "guardian" till she found the "one" person she claimed so long ago.
"I wasn't going to do a thing, my sweet," Sirius claimed in his usual charming air. Brushing away a strand of his dark brown hair from those gorgeous eyes of his, the ever so familiar grin spread about his face.
"Nothing, eh?" Raising a questioning brow up at him, she stepped closer, trapping him up against the wall.
"Would I lie to you?" He asked innocently, smile never leaving. "Beside, I was just going to get him back for marring my beautiful face." There goes his ego again. It's plain to see that if he goes on like that, his head would be too big to fit out of the doorway.
"'Beautiful face, huh?" She raised the questioning brow up higher, hands still on her hips. Taka poked his head out from the side of her leg, flashing Sirius his usual catlike smile. The taunting smile that seemed to say, "Ha, ha! You're gonna get it!"
Seeing both the raised brow that usually meant trouble and the wretched cat's smile, Sirius decided to put on the charm. "Oh, but not as beautiful as yours, pet." He exclaimed, slowly wrapping his arms about his loved one's waist, the sensational grin still playing about his face. Softly placing a kiss about her dappled cheek, he was stopped by a hand, pushing him off.
"Uh-uh, Sirius." She protested, the scowl still lingering as she pushed him slightly away, ignoring the pout he made as she did so. "Now, let me see the little scratch Taka gave you." She murmured softly, reaching a hand up to examine his face.
"Little scratch!" Sirius echoed angrily. "You call this a 'little scratch'?" He yelled, showing her the small, but deep scratch upon his left cheek. Glowering at the cowering kitten, he frowned.
"Yes, I call that a scratch, Sirius." She stated calmly, examining it more. "It may be a bit deep, but you've had worse things happen to you. Need I remind you of third year?" A playful smirk took place of the scowl as she slowly ran a finger over the scratch, giggling as she watched him wince.
"It's not funny!" He pouted even more as he heard her giggle. An idea struck him Putting on the cutest pout he could muster, even adding a bit of whimpering, he cuddled closer to Ari, which looked ridiculous, seeing that he was about a foot taller than her. "Ari..." He began.
Blinking at his cute pout, she couldn't resist the urge to smile. That pout always got to her, but she was building her immunity. "Yes, Sirius?" she sighed softly, going along with whatever he was planning.
"I have an owie!" Aw. How cute. Even with a baby voice, Sirius can pull it off. Slowly blinking the forcefully huge eyes of his, making the pout grow, bottom lip quivering slightly, head cocked to the side and even a whimper emitting from him. How can you stand making him suffer it all? "Make the ouch-ness go away." He continued, still in the baby voice.
Biting her bottom lip, resisting the temptation to hug the little bugger and make his "owie" go away. Pinching his uninjured cheek lightly, she nodded. Lifting his chin up to look over the scratch once more, she leaned forward to kiss the "owie" and make the "ouch-ness" go away. But before she could do so, Sirius wrapped his arms tighter around her, turning his face slightly so she'd kiss him on the lips, instead.
Feeling their lips touch, Ari tried to pull away, but Sirius' hold was much too strong. Sighing, she gave into the kiss, gradually kissing back. Her arms soon found their way around his strong neck, deepening the kiss. The need between them grew as Ari leaned in farther, pushing him against the wall.
Sirius' eyes widened with amusement at her actions. Smirking slightly, the grip on her loosened as he bent down farther so Ari wouldn't have to injure herself on her tiptoes. Placing his hands on her hips he asked for entrance to her mouth, and she allowed it. Tongue lashing for no more than a few mere seconds they broke apart from the usual taunts from Taka.
"Yuck! Get a room, you two!" The now young looking adult called from the floor near them. His raven-black hair hung slightly over his similar deep violet eyes, Kokorashi eyes. The catlike smile still playing about his face grew wider as he watched the faces before him. Sirius' enraged and frustrated expression and his little cousin's reddening embarrassed one. Taka watched as they quickly pulled away, as much to Sirius' disappointment.
"I told you to leave him at the castle," Sirius muttered, leaning against the wall. An exasperated sigh escaped from his pouting lips as he continued to glare daggers at the chuckling boy in the corner.
"And then what? Get my aunt all up in my case again?" Ari shot back, straightening the apron that somehow nearly had fallen off. 'Damn Sirius and his hands.' She thought as she strode towards the kitchen, back to finish making dinner.
"I always thought that Professor was a nut." He continued to mutter bitterly. Walking after Ari, a small smirk appeared as he entered the kitchen. "So... what's for dinner?" He asked casually.
"Baked salmon and pasta, why?" She asked, not looking up from washing her hands at the sink. Mistake.
Coming up from behind her, Sirius wrapped his strong arms around her dainty waist once again, going down to rest his chin oh her shoulder. "You know, I just love your pasta," He whispered gently, nipping her ear playfully.
"It's not getting you anywhere," She said calmly, drying her hands on the rag next to the sink. "Now wash up while I finish making the sauce, all right?" Pouting once again, Sirius trudged off towards the bathroom to get ready for dinner.
Entering the kitchen next, was the still grinning Taka. "You know, Ari," He began, staring at the baked salmon on the counter that was cooling. Licking his lips, he continued. "I wouldn't be going that 'fast' if I were you."
"What do you know, Taka?" She snapped back, stirring the pot that contained the pasta sauce. "You've never been in an actual relationship. Unless you count that brunette when you were fourteen a girlfriend." Ouch. That got to hurt.
"I'm just watching out for you, little cousin." He sneered, exiting the room as Sirius re-entered.
"Something wrong, love?" He asked, seeing the angered expression on her tan face.
"Everything's fine!" She yelled, forcefully stirring the sauce.
"Err- okay," He stuttered, backing away from the kitchen and striding over to Taka. "What'd you do this time?" He snapped, folding his hands in front of himself.
"Nothing!" He protested, leaning against the wall behind him.
"Nothing my-," the familiar clanking of the dishes being pulled from the cupboard cut off Sirius' words. "I can help you with those, Arz," He stated cheerfully, going back into the kitchen. Taking the plate from her he smirk gingerly. "You!" He barked over at Taka who poked his head through the doorway. "You set the utensils."
"But!" Taka protested, but obeyed, seeing the glare from Sirius. Taka usually listened to his cousin's boyfriend. Especially when Sirius was around Ari. Sirius could get as protective as a father or an older brother, no, worse! A boyfriend.
The shattering sounds of a plate crashing against the floor reached the ears of the chef. Walking out of the kitchen with the platter of baked salmon; it's luscious aroma wafting about the dinning room as she entered it. Nearly dropping the platter in her hand, her mouth hung open. There, right in front of her, her grandmother's plate, lay shattered on the floor, the two young men, with eyes wide as a deer about to get run over by a truck, pointing fingers at the other.
Sighing softly, she set the plate of baked salmon on the wooden table, taking out her wand at the same time. "Reparo!" She muttered, pointing at the bits of pieces of the plate on the floor. It instantly went back together. Picking it up, she handed it over to Sirius as she re-entered the kitchen, soon coming back out with a small pot of pasta, the sauce she was stirring earlier, lay on top of the steaming noodles. Giggling at the two drooling men as she set down the bowl, she closed their hanging mouths. "Time to eat, children," she said in a motherly air, going back into the kitchen one last time to remove the fuzzy mittens she used to hold onto the steaming pot.
Seating themselves immediately, they waited until she returned. Picking up the forks and knives, they dug in, Sirius in his dog like manner, Taka, like the cat he was, and Ari, who just sat there a brief moment, watching two of her loved ones eat the food she prepared. Smiling, she too, began to eat the delicious food.
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The sun had set a while ago. Dinner was finished long before then. The home of Sirius and Ari, not to mention Taka, was fairly quiet, dark as well. Strange... it wasn't normally this peaceful. The hall lights were off, the moonlight was all they could use. A door opened slowly, the hinges creaking. The dark figure crept out into the hallway, its eyes darting around for any sign of life other than his. The coast was clear. Walking down the hallway, moonlight casting an eerie glow through the windows at both ends of the halls, the only light. Creeping closer and closer to the other door near the end of the seemingly long hallway, the figure bit its bottom lip nervously. Reaching for the doorknob with a shaking hand, he jumped back as a hand found its way onto his shoulder.
"Bloody, sodden hell! "Sirius exclaimed, turning around to meet the anger filled, deep violet eyes that belonged to Taka. Gulping nervously, Sirius forced a smile. "Why... hello there, Taka, my good man." He squeaked. "What brings you out here at the hallway in the middle of the night?"
"Patrolling the house to make sure intruders don't harm Ari while you sleep. You?" Taka asked, the corners of his mouth twitching as he did so. 'Does Sirius really think he could pull that off, again?' He thought bitterly. Two nights in a week he's tried this.
"Err... on my way to the bathroom, is all!" He lied; beads of sweat forming at his temples. He was a dead man; he knew it. Taka let him off easy the last time, saying he wouldn't tell Ari about his... sneaky ways, but this time for sure he'd be tattled on. Just perfect.
"The bathroom is that way, my good man." Taka pointed towards the other side of the hallway. "Now why don't you run along before Ari wakes up, what do you say, Sirius?" Dead as a doorknob.
"M-my mistake," He muttered before striding down the hall, back to his room. Jerking back, he felt Taka 's shaking hand grasp the collar of his shirt.
"Not so fast, my friend," Taka murmured dangerously. "I think Ari and you should have a little chat." Dragging him back towards Ari's bedroom door, Sirius tried to pull away, but a cousin's anger is stronger than most people, they say.
"I-I don't think that's such a good idea," He protested, still trying to tug free. "She-she's probably still sleeping. She needs her beauty rest, you know."
"So now you're calling her ugly, eh?" Taka asked, shoving him up against the wall. His deep violet eyes glimmered in anger as he glared daggers at Sirius.
"Ugly? The Goddess Aphrodite is ugly compared to that vision of beauty lying in her bed... all warm and cozy. Just lying there. Sleeping. So innocent..." Shaking his head vigorously, he continued on. "I never said she was ugly, Taka! And she needs her rest or she'll get all, bitter in the morning. You know how she is!"
The hallway light flashed open, showering the once dim hallway with treasured light. Blinking, the two men tried to adjust their eyes to the sudden brightness. "What are you guys doing out here?" Ari murmured, striding over to them, the cup of warm milk in her hands.
"Nothing!" They said in unison. Staring at one another for a brief moment, the next they both showered the sleepy girl with sentences, words, phrases, all things she didn't need to be yelled at, at the moment.
"Sirius was trying to-" "Taka here was calling you ugly!" "No I didn't! He's the one that did!" "I did no such thing! I said she needed her beauty rest, not that you aren't already beautiful, my dear." "He was trying to climb into-" "Don't listen to him! He's the one prowling around the house, paranoid that we're going to get attacked or something!" "I'm just trying to help out here! Making sure you guys aren't hurt while you sleep!" "Paranoid! Paranoid!" "Pervert! Pervert!" "Who are you calling a perv?" "You, you pervert!"
"Will you two..." Ari began shaking with rage as the two squabbled on. "Please, just SHUT UP!" She said please, didn't she? So they did. Sidestepping away from the two arguing men, who seemed more like children then men, she opened her bedroom door, entering her room. "The neighbors will hear you. Good night." With that, she slammed the door shut in their faces and headed for her bed.
Blinking at the closed door for a few more moments, the men sighed simultaneously. Glaring at one another, they nodded a curt farewell.
"I'll see you in the morning," Taka muttered, walking down the hallway to continue his "duties" as older cousin, protecting the younger ones.
"Good nigh- what the bloody... not again." A small tawny owl landed right in front of the startled man, a letter in its beak. Twittering madly, Sirius and Taka tried to shush the bird as not to waken Ari. Finally subduing the animal, Sirius managed to rip open the letter, reading quickly. "Blast." He muttered, folding the letter back up. "I have to go again."
"Not again," Taka groaned, taking the letter from him and reading it himself. "You just got back last week. Do you have to go now?" He asked in a whiney tone of voice.
"I have to, Taka." Sirius stated, heading towards his room, Taka in tow. "The Order needs me." Opening the door, a grim expression raced about his lightly tanned face. Another day, another time to leave Ari, how he hated those days. Striding over to his desk, he pulled out one of the stationary papers he kept, along with a pencil. Scribbling a quick letter down, he folded it up neatly, exiting the room in a hurry. Funny. Who'd have thought Sirius Black would use muggle writing uses.
"Where are you going?" Taka asked in a rushed, concerned manner, following him still. Sirius didn't answer. Walking down the hall, a few feet behind Sirius, they neared Ari's room. "What are you going to do?" He asked in earnest. Sirius still refused to answer.
Putting a finger up to his lips, telling Taka to be silent, Sirius crept into the room. "Sh! She's asleep." Creeping up to the sleeping form of Ari, a kindred smile played about as he slipped the note beside her on her pillow. Pecking her softly on her forehead, seeing a smile on her 'angelic' face, a smile too appeared on Sirius'. "Good night, sweet girl. Pleasant dreams." Gently squeezing her hand, he strode out of the bedroom without a second glance.
Taka watched as Sirius walked out to the hallway and back to his room. Grabbing something from the top of his dresser. Hiding it from human eyes, he walked out into the den, taking a seat on the couch, waiting for the little bugger to come over and lecture him about staying for Ari's sake so he could go on with his way.
But Taka didn't come to the den. He stood at the hallway entrance with a grim expression. Motioning his head towards the doorway, his eyes hardened. "Just go. Before she wakes." He muttered.
Eyes downcast, he stood back up, nodding a farewell and thank you. Pushing the door open, the wind ruffled his dark tresses. Closing the door behind him, he closed his shimmering optics. Moments later, a popping noise reached Taka 's ears, signaling that Sirius was gone.
"So... he left, I see." A soft voice murmured from behind Taka. It was barely audible, a little less than a whisper. The owner of the voice wiped away a stray tear that trailed down her freckled cheek. Licking her dry, pale pink lips, she tasted the saltiness of her tears.
Taka nodded solemnly. "Sorry, Ari. He had to go." He muttered bitterly. He didn't have to go. He just wanted to. Or so he thought. "Want something to drink?" He asked innocently, seeing his cousin's attempt to choke back the tears.
Shaking her head at his offer, she strode past him, muttering something under her breath. "I'm fine. Just... want to sit for a bit." Was what she had said.
Sitting on the couch Sirius last sat in, her already heavy heart, sunk lower in the depths of despair. Why? Why did he always have to leave when she needed him to be at her side, in the hard times, in the good or bad times? He always had to leave. The salty tears streaked down her freckled cheeks, falling onto her clenched hands on her lap. Shutting her eyes as the tears fell on, her bottom lip quivered as a small whimpered emitted from them.
"Why now?" Her croaky voice asked the nearly empty room. In her clenched fists, lay the letter, now crumpled. She didn't bother to read it. Ari knew it was probably the same as all the others he had written. With a loud sob, she threw the crumpled letter in the direction of the empty hallway. Throwing herself onto the couch, she let all the held back tears fall in its torrents.
Sobbing uncontrollably onto the couch, the figure of Taka hidden in the shadows of the hallway picked up the letter, taking it back to his room. Entering the dimly lit room that was his, he sat down on his bed, unfolding the crumpled mass that was the letter. His eyes darted about the crumpled sheet, widening slightly as he neared the end. Shaking his head in a disapproving manner, he placed it on the small desk next to his bed before leaving the room once again to comfort Ari.
A stray wind blew from the open window from Taka 's room, causing the wrinkly letter to fall onto the carpeted floor. Inscriptions were strewn about the paper, in a somewhat childish, yet still legible writing.
"Dear Ari,
I'm sorry. Yet again I must leave you. It's urgent this time. There is something wrong with James and Lily, something about Voldemort as well. The letter was rained on, and I could hardly make most of it. Please, forgive me. I have to go this time. I love you, Ari. Please... I want you to know that. I'm truly and deeply sorry.
Love,
Sirius"
To Be Continued...
A/N: Love it? Like it? Hate it? Tell me your thoughts! Review! =)
By: x_Arikinns_x
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters except for the few I made up. Most of the characters mentioned belong to J. K. Rowling or my friends, whose role-play characters I used.
Summary: Sirius leaves for 'Order Business' at all times of the day, leaving his 'girl,' Ari, at home all the time. One day, getting another 'urgent' owl, Ari finally snaps, causing the bond between the two to break. So, fifteen years later, she's forced herself to rid of every memory of Sirius to the far reaches of her mind, thinking that she'd never see him again. But, what happens if those memories come back to haunt her? And what is the deal with that big, black, bear like dog at the station?
Prologue: Because You Loved Me
The bone chilling wind swept across the still street, the coloring leaves being blown about the yards. Oh it was a blistery day indeed. The setting sun cast a beautiful ray down upon the quaint little town, showering it with its warm kisses. All was peaceful in the humble town, as peaceful as it could get at least.
A quite unusual home in the small town had a slight difference to it than the other houses. Strange sounds came from it at all times of the day. Muttering of words un-known to muggle ears came from it. Flashes of colorful lights shone from it, and occasional yells and hollers came from it as well. Like mentioned before, unusual indeed.
On the outside, it was a plain home. Nothing special. It had a chimney, a small patch of flowers growing in the small garden, a window in the front, a plain colored door; average home. But that was on the outside. On the inside, lived two young adults. No more than the ages of nineteen; Friends from their first year at the school they attended; Lovers since their last year; A "perfect couple" to an outsider.
One of the two young adults was a young looking woman. Her knee length copper/brown tresses; in the same fashion since she was but a mere child, two pigtails, hung loosely at her sides. Her deep violet eyes, constantly blinking, had a mischievous glint to them. A tan that she received from all those years in that muggle swim class, still lingered along with her freckles; that dappled her cheeks and nose. Standing at a height of 5' 3" at the age of nineteen was nothing to brag about. It was a curse to her, something all women in her mother's side of the family received. 'A woman from the Kokorashi line normally didn't surpass the height of five foot even.' Her mother told her once when she as but a babe.
But this Kokorashi woman wasn't 'normal.' Sure she was a certified witch and a pretty good one, but that's not what I meant. Not your normal girl is an understatement to begin with for her. A Kokorashi girl was never normal compared to the rest of the world. For example, she was destined to marry someone long before they were born. Another example, the unusual hyper-ness one does emit. For this Kokorashi, 'hyper' is not in her vocabulary. 'Hyper' for this woman was everyday life, But seeing her 'hyper'? Not a pretty sight. The odd way she could be 'hyper' one moment and then be as useless as a crumpled leaf. Strange, but this was the way the woman could be. That's how Arianne Megumi Mikagame Kokorashi, or 'Ari' as she loved to be called, was.
Now, for the other inhabitant of the house -no, not another Kokorashi, and no, not another female- yes, it's a male. Not just any male, mind you. It's none other than the mischievous, handsome, Sirius Black. Yes, the one and only. What? You do not know of this boy- no- Man? He was one of the four in a small group of young "hoodlums" in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. His best friends were James Potter-yes you heard me, James Potter- and Remus J. Lupin. Sure, there was also Peter Pettigrew, but he didn't really call him a 'friend'. He called him the 'tag along'. Still don't know?
His eyes, such a beautiful shade of deep brown, a chocolate brown, always twinkling in a glint some would call mischievous, but others would say it had a sexy glint to them. Some called it 'Kiss me Sweet' brown. Why? No one really knows. Maybe it's because when you'd look into them, if you were a girl of course, you'd melt like chocolate. Yum. Chocolate. And his smile, so smug looking yet so, so... handsome. His skin, shaded lightly tan as if he played out in the sun too long, so...perfect, to some girls at least. He had a tenor voice that had a smooth musical whim to it. His dark brown, nearly black tresses would fall ever so slightly over the "Kiss Me Sweet" eyes of his, giving him a devilish look. Charismatic, charming, devilish good looks, a warm, bark-like laughter, "Kiss Me Sweet" eyes, that perfectly placed hair, the epitome of perfection to Ari Kokorashi.
Lovers from their long ago teens years, as mentioned before, the two were called 'the perfect couple' along with a certain Potter and Evans and Lupin and Wolf. That's correct. Ari Kokorashi, Sirius Black, James Potter, Lily Evans, Remus Lupin, and Tala Wolf, friends since their first years at Hogwarts, and sweet hearts in their seventh. Such sweet memories; all full of sorrow, sadness, joy, and smiles. Frowns, tears, grins and laughs. Everything that would make a relationship 'work.'
The wind continued to sweep across the streets, blowing the fall leaves this way and that. A familiar flash of bright red light shone from the cracks and windows of the house inhabited by Ari and Sirius, soon followed by the yells and yowls.
"Damn cat!" Sirius Black yelled, aiming his wand at the frightened little kitten. "Get your bloody little arse back here, you beast!"
The small black kitten, with its adorable white tail, ran behind its 'master,' Ari. The kitten's fur stood on end, hissing and spitting from behind Ari, as it saw Sirius stride closer, wand out stretched.
"This is the last time your dear cousin will- " Sirius stepped back as Ari angrily took a step forward. Her kind, lightly tanned face held a scowl, as she took another step forward. Sirius stepped back, hands raised in mock surrender, a nervous chuckle escaping from his lips.
"And exactly what are you going to do to Taka-chan, Sirius Black?" Ari asked haughtily, placing her hands on her hips. One of the two usual pigtails hung over one shoulder; while the other stayed at the back. Wearing a plain black shirt and grey sweatpants, an apron was firmly wrapped about her small waist, looking as if she was making dinner, which she was before she was rudely interrupted by the usual fighting of her boyfriend and cousin.
Yes, you heard correctly. Cousin. For you see, "Taka" isn't your average cat. In fact, he wasn't a cat at all. He was Taka Hibiya, the older cousin of Ari on her mother's side. He was accustomed to the "ways" of the Kokorashi family and was all too glad to be his little cousin's "guardian" till she found the "one" person she claimed so long ago.
"I wasn't going to do a thing, my sweet," Sirius claimed in his usual charming air. Brushing away a strand of his dark brown hair from those gorgeous eyes of his, the ever so familiar grin spread about his face.
"Nothing, eh?" Raising a questioning brow up at him, she stepped closer, trapping him up against the wall.
"Would I lie to you?" He asked innocently, smile never leaving. "Beside, I was just going to get him back for marring my beautiful face." There goes his ego again. It's plain to see that if he goes on like that, his head would be too big to fit out of the doorway.
"'Beautiful face, huh?" She raised the questioning brow up higher, hands still on her hips. Taka poked his head out from the side of her leg, flashing Sirius his usual catlike smile. The taunting smile that seemed to say, "Ha, ha! You're gonna get it!"
Seeing both the raised brow that usually meant trouble and the wretched cat's smile, Sirius decided to put on the charm. "Oh, but not as beautiful as yours, pet." He exclaimed, slowly wrapping his arms about his loved one's waist, the sensational grin still playing about his face. Softly placing a kiss about her dappled cheek, he was stopped by a hand, pushing him off.
"Uh-uh, Sirius." She protested, the scowl still lingering as she pushed him slightly away, ignoring the pout he made as she did so. "Now, let me see the little scratch Taka gave you." She murmured softly, reaching a hand up to examine his face.
"Little scratch!" Sirius echoed angrily. "You call this a 'little scratch'?" He yelled, showing her the small, but deep scratch upon his left cheek. Glowering at the cowering kitten, he frowned.
"Yes, I call that a scratch, Sirius." She stated calmly, examining it more. "It may be a bit deep, but you've had worse things happen to you. Need I remind you of third year?" A playful smirk took place of the scowl as she slowly ran a finger over the scratch, giggling as she watched him wince.
"It's not funny!" He pouted even more as he heard her giggle. An idea struck him Putting on the cutest pout he could muster, even adding a bit of whimpering, he cuddled closer to Ari, which looked ridiculous, seeing that he was about a foot taller than her. "Ari..." He began.
Blinking at his cute pout, she couldn't resist the urge to smile. That pout always got to her, but she was building her immunity. "Yes, Sirius?" she sighed softly, going along with whatever he was planning.
"I have an owie!" Aw. How cute. Even with a baby voice, Sirius can pull it off. Slowly blinking the forcefully huge eyes of his, making the pout grow, bottom lip quivering slightly, head cocked to the side and even a whimper emitting from him. How can you stand making him suffer it all? "Make the ouch-ness go away." He continued, still in the baby voice.
Biting her bottom lip, resisting the temptation to hug the little bugger and make his "owie" go away. Pinching his uninjured cheek lightly, she nodded. Lifting his chin up to look over the scratch once more, she leaned forward to kiss the "owie" and make the "ouch-ness" go away. But before she could do so, Sirius wrapped his arms tighter around her, turning his face slightly so she'd kiss him on the lips, instead.
Feeling their lips touch, Ari tried to pull away, but Sirius' hold was much too strong. Sighing, she gave into the kiss, gradually kissing back. Her arms soon found their way around his strong neck, deepening the kiss. The need between them grew as Ari leaned in farther, pushing him against the wall.
Sirius' eyes widened with amusement at her actions. Smirking slightly, the grip on her loosened as he bent down farther so Ari wouldn't have to injure herself on her tiptoes. Placing his hands on her hips he asked for entrance to her mouth, and she allowed it. Tongue lashing for no more than a few mere seconds they broke apart from the usual taunts from Taka.
"Yuck! Get a room, you two!" The now young looking adult called from the floor near them. His raven-black hair hung slightly over his similar deep violet eyes, Kokorashi eyes. The catlike smile still playing about his face grew wider as he watched the faces before him. Sirius' enraged and frustrated expression and his little cousin's reddening embarrassed one. Taka watched as they quickly pulled away, as much to Sirius' disappointment.
"I told you to leave him at the castle," Sirius muttered, leaning against the wall. An exasperated sigh escaped from his pouting lips as he continued to glare daggers at the chuckling boy in the corner.
"And then what? Get my aunt all up in my case again?" Ari shot back, straightening the apron that somehow nearly had fallen off. 'Damn Sirius and his hands.' She thought as she strode towards the kitchen, back to finish making dinner.
"I always thought that Professor was a nut." He continued to mutter bitterly. Walking after Ari, a small smirk appeared as he entered the kitchen. "So... what's for dinner?" He asked casually.
"Baked salmon and pasta, why?" She asked, not looking up from washing her hands at the sink. Mistake.
Coming up from behind her, Sirius wrapped his strong arms around her dainty waist once again, going down to rest his chin oh her shoulder. "You know, I just love your pasta," He whispered gently, nipping her ear playfully.
"It's not getting you anywhere," She said calmly, drying her hands on the rag next to the sink. "Now wash up while I finish making the sauce, all right?" Pouting once again, Sirius trudged off towards the bathroom to get ready for dinner.
Entering the kitchen next, was the still grinning Taka. "You know, Ari," He began, staring at the baked salmon on the counter that was cooling. Licking his lips, he continued. "I wouldn't be going that 'fast' if I were you."
"What do you know, Taka?" She snapped back, stirring the pot that contained the pasta sauce. "You've never been in an actual relationship. Unless you count that brunette when you were fourteen a girlfriend." Ouch. That got to hurt.
"I'm just watching out for you, little cousin." He sneered, exiting the room as Sirius re-entered.
"Something wrong, love?" He asked, seeing the angered expression on her tan face.
"Everything's fine!" She yelled, forcefully stirring the sauce.
"Err- okay," He stuttered, backing away from the kitchen and striding over to Taka. "What'd you do this time?" He snapped, folding his hands in front of himself.
"Nothing!" He protested, leaning against the wall behind him.
"Nothing my-," the familiar clanking of the dishes being pulled from the cupboard cut off Sirius' words. "I can help you with those, Arz," He stated cheerfully, going back into the kitchen. Taking the plate from her he smirk gingerly. "You!" He barked over at Taka who poked his head through the doorway. "You set the utensils."
"But!" Taka protested, but obeyed, seeing the glare from Sirius. Taka usually listened to his cousin's boyfriend. Especially when Sirius was around Ari. Sirius could get as protective as a father or an older brother, no, worse! A boyfriend.
The shattering sounds of a plate crashing against the floor reached the ears of the chef. Walking out of the kitchen with the platter of baked salmon; it's luscious aroma wafting about the dinning room as she entered it. Nearly dropping the platter in her hand, her mouth hung open. There, right in front of her, her grandmother's plate, lay shattered on the floor, the two young men, with eyes wide as a deer about to get run over by a truck, pointing fingers at the other.
Sighing softly, she set the plate of baked salmon on the wooden table, taking out her wand at the same time. "Reparo!" She muttered, pointing at the bits of pieces of the plate on the floor. It instantly went back together. Picking it up, she handed it over to Sirius as she re-entered the kitchen, soon coming back out with a small pot of pasta, the sauce she was stirring earlier, lay on top of the steaming noodles. Giggling at the two drooling men as she set down the bowl, she closed their hanging mouths. "Time to eat, children," she said in a motherly air, going back into the kitchen one last time to remove the fuzzy mittens she used to hold onto the steaming pot.
Seating themselves immediately, they waited until she returned. Picking up the forks and knives, they dug in, Sirius in his dog like manner, Taka, like the cat he was, and Ari, who just sat there a brief moment, watching two of her loved ones eat the food she prepared. Smiling, she too, began to eat the delicious food.
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The sun had set a while ago. Dinner was finished long before then. The home of Sirius and Ari, not to mention Taka, was fairly quiet, dark as well. Strange... it wasn't normally this peaceful. The hall lights were off, the moonlight was all they could use. A door opened slowly, the hinges creaking. The dark figure crept out into the hallway, its eyes darting around for any sign of life other than his. The coast was clear. Walking down the hallway, moonlight casting an eerie glow through the windows at both ends of the halls, the only light. Creeping closer and closer to the other door near the end of the seemingly long hallway, the figure bit its bottom lip nervously. Reaching for the doorknob with a shaking hand, he jumped back as a hand found its way onto his shoulder.
"Bloody, sodden hell! "Sirius exclaimed, turning around to meet the anger filled, deep violet eyes that belonged to Taka. Gulping nervously, Sirius forced a smile. "Why... hello there, Taka, my good man." He squeaked. "What brings you out here at the hallway in the middle of the night?"
"Patrolling the house to make sure intruders don't harm Ari while you sleep. You?" Taka asked, the corners of his mouth twitching as he did so. 'Does Sirius really think he could pull that off, again?' He thought bitterly. Two nights in a week he's tried this.
"Err... on my way to the bathroom, is all!" He lied; beads of sweat forming at his temples. He was a dead man; he knew it. Taka let him off easy the last time, saying he wouldn't tell Ari about his... sneaky ways, but this time for sure he'd be tattled on. Just perfect.
"The bathroom is that way, my good man." Taka pointed towards the other side of the hallway. "Now why don't you run along before Ari wakes up, what do you say, Sirius?" Dead as a doorknob.
"M-my mistake," He muttered before striding down the hall, back to his room. Jerking back, he felt Taka 's shaking hand grasp the collar of his shirt.
"Not so fast, my friend," Taka murmured dangerously. "I think Ari and you should have a little chat." Dragging him back towards Ari's bedroom door, Sirius tried to pull away, but a cousin's anger is stronger than most people, they say.
"I-I don't think that's such a good idea," He protested, still trying to tug free. "She-she's probably still sleeping. She needs her beauty rest, you know."
"So now you're calling her ugly, eh?" Taka asked, shoving him up against the wall. His deep violet eyes glimmered in anger as he glared daggers at Sirius.
"Ugly? The Goddess Aphrodite is ugly compared to that vision of beauty lying in her bed... all warm and cozy. Just lying there. Sleeping. So innocent..." Shaking his head vigorously, he continued on. "I never said she was ugly, Taka! And she needs her rest or she'll get all, bitter in the morning. You know how she is!"
The hallway light flashed open, showering the once dim hallway with treasured light. Blinking, the two men tried to adjust their eyes to the sudden brightness. "What are you guys doing out here?" Ari murmured, striding over to them, the cup of warm milk in her hands.
"Nothing!" They said in unison. Staring at one another for a brief moment, the next they both showered the sleepy girl with sentences, words, phrases, all things she didn't need to be yelled at, at the moment.
"Sirius was trying to-" "Taka here was calling you ugly!" "No I didn't! He's the one that did!" "I did no such thing! I said she needed her beauty rest, not that you aren't already beautiful, my dear." "He was trying to climb into-" "Don't listen to him! He's the one prowling around the house, paranoid that we're going to get attacked or something!" "I'm just trying to help out here! Making sure you guys aren't hurt while you sleep!" "Paranoid! Paranoid!" "Pervert! Pervert!" "Who are you calling a perv?" "You, you pervert!"
"Will you two..." Ari began shaking with rage as the two squabbled on. "Please, just SHUT UP!" She said please, didn't she? So they did. Sidestepping away from the two arguing men, who seemed more like children then men, she opened her bedroom door, entering her room. "The neighbors will hear you. Good night." With that, she slammed the door shut in their faces and headed for her bed.
Blinking at the closed door for a few more moments, the men sighed simultaneously. Glaring at one another, they nodded a curt farewell.
"I'll see you in the morning," Taka muttered, walking down the hallway to continue his "duties" as older cousin, protecting the younger ones.
"Good nigh- what the bloody... not again." A small tawny owl landed right in front of the startled man, a letter in its beak. Twittering madly, Sirius and Taka tried to shush the bird as not to waken Ari. Finally subduing the animal, Sirius managed to rip open the letter, reading quickly. "Blast." He muttered, folding the letter back up. "I have to go again."
"Not again," Taka groaned, taking the letter from him and reading it himself. "You just got back last week. Do you have to go now?" He asked in a whiney tone of voice.
"I have to, Taka." Sirius stated, heading towards his room, Taka in tow. "The Order needs me." Opening the door, a grim expression raced about his lightly tanned face. Another day, another time to leave Ari, how he hated those days. Striding over to his desk, he pulled out one of the stationary papers he kept, along with a pencil. Scribbling a quick letter down, he folded it up neatly, exiting the room in a hurry. Funny. Who'd have thought Sirius Black would use muggle writing uses.
"Where are you going?" Taka asked in a rushed, concerned manner, following him still. Sirius didn't answer. Walking down the hall, a few feet behind Sirius, they neared Ari's room. "What are you going to do?" He asked in earnest. Sirius still refused to answer.
Putting a finger up to his lips, telling Taka to be silent, Sirius crept into the room. "Sh! She's asleep." Creeping up to the sleeping form of Ari, a kindred smile played about as he slipped the note beside her on her pillow. Pecking her softly on her forehead, seeing a smile on her 'angelic' face, a smile too appeared on Sirius'. "Good night, sweet girl. Pleasant dreams." Gently squeezing her hand, he strode out of the bedroom without a second glance.
Taka watched as Sirius walked out to the hallway and back to his room. Grabbing something from the top of his dresser. Hiding it from human eyes, he walked out into the den, taking a seat on the couch, waiting for the little bugger to come over and lecture him about staying for Ari's sake so he could go on with his way.
But Taka didn't come to the den. He stood at the hallway entrance with a grim expression. Motioning his head towards the doorway, his eyes hardened. "Just go. Before she wakes." He muttered.
Eyes downcast, he stood back up, nodding a farewell and thank you. Pushing the door open, the wind ruffled his dark tresses. Closing the door behind him, he closed his shimmering optics. Moments later, a popping noise reached Taka 's ears, signaling that Sirius was gone.
"So... he left, I see." A soft voice murmured from behind Taka. It was barely audible, a little less than a whisper. The owner of the voice wiped away a stray tear that trailed down her freckled cheek. Licking her dry, pale pink lips, she tasted the saltiness of her tears.
Taka nodded solemnly. "Sorry, Ari. He had to go." He muttered bitterly. He didn't have to go. He just wanted to. Or so he thought. "Want something to drink?" He asked innocently, seeing his cousin's attempt to choke back the tears.
Shaking her head at his offer, she strode past him, muttering something under her breath. "I'm fine. Just... want to sit for a bit." Was what she had said.
Sitting on the couch Sirius last sat in, her already heavy heart, sunk lower in the depths of despair. Why? Why did he always have to leave when she needed him to be at her side, in the hard times, in the good or bad times? He always had to leave. The salty tears streaked down her freckled cheeks, falling onto her clenched hands on her lap. Shutting her eyes as the tears fell on, her bottom lip quivered as a small whimpered emitted from them.
"Why now?" Her croaky voice asked the nearly empty room. In her clenched fists, lay the letter, now crumpled. She didn't bother to read it. Ari knew it was probably the same as all the others he had written. With a loud sob, she threw the crumpled letter in the direction of the empty hallway. Throwing herself onto the couch, she let all the held back tears fall in its torrents.
Sobbing uncontrollably onto the couch, the figure of Taka hidden in the shadows of the hallway picked up the letter, taking it back to his room. Entering the dimly lit room that was his, he sat down on his bed, unfolding the crumpled mass that was the letter. His eyes darted about the crumpled sheet, widening slightly as he neared the end. Shaking his head in a disapproving manner, he placed it on the small desk next to his bed before leaving the room once again to comfort Ari.
A stray wind blew from the open window from Taka 's room, causing the wrinkly letter to fall onto the carpeted floor. Inscriptions were strewn about the paper, in a somewhat childish, yet still legible writing.
"Dear Ari,
I'm sorry. Yet again I must leave you. It's urgent this time. There is something wrong with James and Lily, something about Voldemort as well. The letter was rained on, and I could hardly make most of it. Please, forgive me. I have to go this time. I love you, Ari. Please... I want you to know that. I'm truly and deeply sorry.
Love,
Sirius"
To Be Continued...
A/N: Love it? Like it? Hate it? Tell me your thoughts! Review! =)