Chapter One -- 25 September, 1977
Emmeline Vance knew when she was beat. Being a studious Ravenclaw, she was used to observing situations and finding the fault hidden deep within. This, however, was something new.
"Are you ready to admit defeat, Vance?" asked Caradoc Dearborn, holding her gaze steady.
She glanced down to where their hands were locked, elbows firmly against the table top. Emmeline grimaced as she felt herself lose what little grip she had. "Not one bit, Dearborn," she replied, determined to go out fighting.
"Want to make a deal then?" he asked, continuing to pull her hand closer towards himself.
She narrowed her eyes, sizing up her competition. "What did you have in mind?"
Caradoc grinned, knowing that he had found Emmeline's one weak spot and planning to exploit it to his full advantage. "If you admit I'm the arm wrestling champion of Hogwarts, I'll pay for the next round," he said, smirking mischeviously.
With a dramatic sigh she released her fingers from his, folding them neatly in her lap. "You're the arm wrestling champion of Hogwarts," she muttered, suppressing a smile, "Happy?" He grinned, turning his cheek to her. She quickly planted a kiss on it before he got up to get them both a Butterbeer. He returned a few moments later and set a glass down in front of her.
"To good luck with your final year," began Caradoc, raising his own in her honour.
Emmeline inclined her head, taking a sip. "And to becoming the best Healer known to the history of St Mungo's," she added, drinking his health.
He set down his mug and ran a hand through his hair, a sign that the topic at hand was about to take a very serious turn. "So how are your classes coming along this term?" he asked, a worried look plastered upon his face.
Deep lines creased her forehead as she glanced round the pub, trying to find an out. "They're going as well as could be expected, considering they're the most difficult lessons I've ever had the pleasure of sitting through."
Caradoc nodded, his eyes intent. "And how about the others? Are they doing as well as you?"
"No, actually. When we returned in September our class was one third of what it was last year," explained Emmeline, taking another drink. "I suppose they found the courseload to be too difficult and decided upon pursuing an alternate career."
At this he picked up her hand, laying a kiss on it. "Well not everyone is made out to be an Unspeakable."
She shrugged in reply, eager to get off the subject. "But how about you? In her last letter your mother said you were getting bogged down at work?"
Caradoc became visibly uncomfortable, shifting in his seat. "I'm fine, Mum's just upset that I don't get around to see her as often as I used to."
"Are you sure you're not taking on too much?" continued Emmeline. "Be careful you're not getting too stressed out, Doc."
He smiled at her concern, hastily downing the rest of his Butterbeer, "I'm fine, Em, don't waste your time worrying about me."
Emmeline looked around conspiratorially before sliding her chair closer to his. "And you're being safe at work? And in the city? I read these articles in the Prophet and can't help but think about these... these Knights of Walpurgis coming after you."
Caradoc took her hand and squeezed it comfortingly, "I'm fine, really. I want you to take all of this energy and focus it on your schoolwork. I won't have you worrying about me being the reason you aren't accepted into the training program."
"Like I would let you come between me and my classes," she retorted, rolling her eyes pointedly. He smiled back before checking his pocketwatch out of the corner of his eye. Emmeline frowned, "Don't let me keep you."
He shook his head, turning a faint shade of scarlet. "I'll have you know that I'm worrying about the time on your behalf. Unlike you, I have the luxury of returning home whenever I please." Emmeline stuck her tongue out at him before she too snuck a glance at the time. She groaned, finishing the rest of her drink.
"I could walk you back to the castle if you'd like," Caradoc volunteered, as the witch got to her feet.
"No that's alright," she said, slipping her heavy coat overtop her robes. "I could find the way back with my eyes shut."
"Please don't try that," he quickly started. "I can already see those wheels in your head turning."
Emmeline smirked, dismissing the idea. "The thought hadn't even crossed my mind."
Caradoc stooped down slightly to plant a kiss on her forehead. "What was that?" she snorted, wrapping her hands around his neck. He motioned awkwardly to the students bustling around the pub. "I won't be seeing you for another month-- at least. You're not getting off without a quick snog."
He feigned a look of pure exasperation, "Fine, you don't have to beg, Em." Pressing his lips against hers, Caradoc pulled her deeper into the kiss, illicting a few catcalls from a few of the Broomsticks' patrons.
Emmeline broke away, grinning. "That was more like it, Dearborn."
The walk back to the castle following her date with Caradoc was unseasonably cold, even for it only being November. She pulled her cloak tighter around herself as she continued on her way down the path. A few moments later she fancied she heard her name being called, but shrugged it off as just a trick of the wind.
"Emmeline!" the call came again, unmistakable this time. She spun around on her heel to face Sirius Black, his face rather drawn.
"Oh, it's only you," she said, brushing the hair from her face.
"And hello to you as well," he replied, grinning like a madman.
Emmeline felt her face grow hot as she regained her pace. "Sorry Sirius, what would you like?"
His eyes widened as he searched his mind for an answer. "A spot on the Catapaults; being granted entry into the Ministry's Auror programme; and at the moment, a box of Peppermint Creams would be nice."
"Planning on becoming an Auror?" replied Emmeline skeptically. "I never would have pegged you for wanting to don the shiniest of shiny badges."
Sirius smirked, obviously pleased with himself, "I'm not sure you would peg me for many things, but I want them no less. Won't hold it against you."
"I'd appreciate that," she chuckled. "You no doubt know this, but you'll have to work incredibly hard to even be considered for the programme, not to mention beating out the other hopefuls, Benjy included."
"Wot?" he frowned, tripping over his own legs and nearly toppling over into a nearby pile of leaves. "You think that great prat Fenwick has more of a chance than me?"
Emmeline set her jaw, quickening her stride. "That great prat happens to be one of my best mates, incase you haven't noticed. And you wouldn't, not when you think the castle revolves around you and... and your fat head!"
"I'll have you know that my head is in complete proportion with the rest of my--"
Emmeline stopped in her tracks, turning to face Sirius who had fallen several steps behind her. "What do you want?"
"Pardon?"
"You damn well heard me Sirius, what do you want? You and I are not friends and there's no use playing round that we are," she cried, showing no signs of letting up. "I doubt we've said more than a handful of words to each other over the past seven years and I've been more than content with that. So why don't you save the both of us a lot of trouble and explain yourself."
His head bowed and he nodded reluctantly. "I'm failing Potions and Charms and was told to come to you."
Her interests peaked, Emmeline prodded him further. "By who?"
"Well in all fairness I was told to see Snape and Evans as well and out of the three I thought you the least likely to tear out my throat when I asked," admitted Sirius, slightly shamefaced. "I only now see what a thick idea that was..."
She frowned, feeling the smallest tinge of guilt. "But you're really clever; I've seen you in Defence and you blow most of the others away."
He looked up, grinning once again, "You noticed, eh? Although we Blacks take naturally to any class we're given, I perform better in practical venues."
"Venues? You are still talking about lessons, yeah?" she retorted, as the castle soon came into view. He groaned and was about to reply when Emmeline held up a hand. "Nevermind, that just left it open for another one of your tirades. So you want me to tutor you, is that it? I don't think I have--"
"Well I was thinking more along the lines of a trade; you help me with Charms and Potions, and I... instruct you on some of the finer points of Defence and Transfiguration."
She came to an abrupt halt, glancing sharply at him. "And what makes you think I need instruction from you in any class?"
Sirius wiped a hand down his face, moaning. "God, that will teach me to imply that a Ravenclaw is anything less than perfect. If you'll forgive me, I'll be on my way."
As he started to walk away, Emmeline squeezed her eyes shut, regretting what she was about to do. "Wait," she muttered.
"I can't hear you!" he cried, continuing on his way towards Hogwarts.
"I'll do it!" she hollered, as Sirius waited for her to catch up.
Holding out his hand to her, he struck a gentlemanly pose, "Shall we shake on it then?"
She regarded his extended hand with suspiscion, "What exactly am I agreeing to?"
"We'll smooth out the details on Tuesday, over our first meeting. Is it a deal?" he asked again, a tone of urgency clinging to his voice. Emmeline reluctantly nodded, taking his hand.