I'm usually not a speedy updater ( let's think months!) so I would consider this a rather quick update! Hockey season is starting which means I'll be pumped up on adrenaline and ready to write during intermission (only if my team is winning).
Summary: He's the illustrious troublemaker; she's the school's chameleon. In spite of everything, two completely different people realize that the other side doesn't seem so bad after all.
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, places, spells or anything else to do with Harry Potter; that pleasure belongs to the talented J.K. Rowling.
Chapter Two: Bad Breath Banishers
I often hear boys complaining about the complexity of the female mind and how girls are completely unpredictable in how they act. I happen to disagree in that presumption. Women have different types of personalities, just like men. By understanding how the different personalities think, act, or react in situations, a person can predict the outcome of the situation. For example, everyone should know that the announcement of a new couple will lead to a large group of teenaged girls disappearing into the bathroom together for long periods of time. Most people should also realize that girls who are left out of the aforementioned groups are not rejected because they're ugly, merely because they don't keep up with the trends and gossip. Another important aspect of girls is that when they have an argument, they don't get mad; they get even (through the use of backstabbing, boyfriend-stealing, and rumour spreading).
Now, I wonder, if girls are so easy to figure out, then guys must be like an open book; just waiting to be opened and read by the first person who comes along. Men will spend hours at a time chasing a well-known bookworm around the castle to copy their Transfiguration homework, rather than taking half an hour of the day to finish it themselves. A certain male teenager is also very well-known for chasing a red-haired, green eyed female bookworm while constantly asking her out (okay, a little bit of an exaggeration). Men are also notorious for having a slight Quidditch obsession and are more interested in the Falmouth Falcon's latest suspension by the Department of Magical Games and Sports than how many girls forth year Gilderoy Lockhart is dating at the same time.
Of course, all my theories and speculations about the simplicity of the male mind were proved void when Sirius Black hit puberty. For example, saying the word puberty to a group of fourth year boys would result in unnerving girlish giggles. However, Sirius Black would just smile and comment on the weather or some other mundane topic (as demonstrated by Lily Evans while annoyed by the Marauders in fourth year). By fifth year, when Sirius was the so-called "hottest guy in Hogwarts," many would assume that he experience dating as many girls as possible. Once again he would prove all the assumptions wrong by dating sixth year Marlene McKinnion for a full four months.
Now, only into the first week of our last year, the often charming and friendly seventeen year old has once again demonstrated his unusual tendency for defying the odds. Many people would assume that Sirius would be pleased that his best friend and fellow troublemaker has been placed in a position of power. However, after several days of moodiness, I have come to the conclusion that he is not jealous, angry or resentful of James Potter (the aforementioned best friend) like many other people suspect, he is merely disappointed that his best friend is no longer the same troublemaker he was before.
Sirius Black has always been an enigma of the male variety, rarely following the average male patterns and habits. He has been a standout among the male population of Hogwarts, resulting in female attraction to him being a right of passage (I swear Sable Harper of Slytherin blushed when he brushed her arm in potions).The complexity of his mind is attractive to many girls, I however find him to be an unusual specimen of the male variety. If someone were to ask me why Fizzing Whizbees makes a person levitate, or how to repel a Lethifold attack, I would have no trouble answering (dried Billywig stings and a Patronus Charm) but to answer any question about Sirius Black would result in a never ending train of questions.
I paused as Dorcas became over enthusiastic with her wand waving while trying to duplicate her quill. Never being one for Charms, Dorcas has only survived this class with the help of Lily Evans. Since Lily was over talking with Professor Flitwick, Mary and I had to deal with Dorcas' frustration over the charm. The Geminio charm was proving to be difficult for some of the class with only a quarter able to duplicate what ever object they had in front of them.
Sighing, I stuffed my parchment into my bag, making a mental note to burn it when I had the chance. I placed my Montrose Magpies Quidditch team badge before me and rolled back my sleeves. After several tries, I've already managed to make two duplicates, which placed me in the group of remotely successful students in today's Charm's class.
However, James and Sirius appeared to be in a war of duplication with James being surrounded by Quidditch figurines and Sirius having a large pile of dog tags stacked in front of him. Neither spoke or acknowledged the other, regardless of the fact that they were sitting beside each other. Their competition seemed to be amusing to their fellow Marauders as Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew spent more time examining the growing number of dog tags and Quidditch figurines then working on their own objects.
Mary - after having failed duplicating her ring in several tries - had stolen one of Lily's mirrors and was examining the zit on her nose that appeared over night (every girl in the Gryffindor dormitories heard her screaming). Dorcas' passionate wand waving has slowed down a bit as she poked Layla Jones of Hufflepuff in the eye. Lily returned from her talk with Professor Flitwick, proudly displaying her five mirrors (minus one that Mary stole) with lime green trim.
I looked back down at my badge and waved my wand in the practiced motion.
"Geminio," I said and watched as my one Montrose Magpies badge became two. Smiling slightly, I placed the original back in my pocket and left the remaining three in my hand to prove to Professor Flitwick that I had been able to do the charm. As the bell rang for the end of class, Professor Flitwick went around the room to check how many people have been successful.
"Work harder Mister Avery… good job Mister Danvers, perfect duplications…keep trying Miss Meadows… excellent work Miss…um…"
"Morgan, sir," I said, my smile fading.
"Right! Excellent work Miss Morgan! Mister Potter, Mister Black, I believe there is no need for you to practice anymore. For those who didn't succeed," said Professor Flitwick, his squeaky voice echoing around the class, "Make sure you practice before next class. I will be testing you!"
The class groaned and shuffled out as the bell rang for the start of lunch break. I followed Mary, Lily and Dorcas down to the Great Hall, hanging back as they chatted about Charms class.
After Care of Magical Creatures, Charms was always one of my favourite classes. Although I've never been as talented as Lily, I always pushed myself to get a good mark because I enjoyed Professor Flitwick's lessons. But after seven years of being in his class, he still can't remember my name. I tugged on a lock of hair, as if trying to release my frustrations by hair pulling. Why to I bother trying to change, to be more confident and liked, if my teacher of six years can't remember my name?
Mary turned around as I tapped her on the shoulder, "what's up?"
"I'm not hungry," I lied, feeling the familiar urge to be alone, "I'm just going to head outside for a bit, get some fresh air."
"Alright, see you later then."
My roommates followed the crowd into the Great Hall, while I squeezed along the edge of the corridor, careful not to run into anyone.
As I turned a corner into the Entrance Hall, a loud argument reached my ears. Three of the four Marauders were walking towards me, deep in a conversation that I could hear over the noise of the crowd.
"Honestly Moony! I still don't get what his problem is! He was fine when I got my Head Boy badge during the summer, now he's acting like I joined the Death Eaters or something," James was saying, "I don't know why he's so bloody mad!"
"I can't explain his behavior, Prongs," Remus said, "You're his best friend. You should know him better then anyone else."
"I know! But I just can't figure him out!"
As James flailed his arms in frustration, he knocked Peter right into me causing us to fall onto the stone floor. I yelped as my elbow slammed against the floor, leaving a tingle all the way down to my finger tips. Peter squeaked and scrambled off me, hitting a suit of armor that swayed dangerously.
"Sorry! I am so sorry Cameron!"
"S'okay" I mumbled, going about picking up some papers and books that mixed with Peter's as we collided. James, completely oblivious to the accident he caused, continued his rant.
"He's my best friend! Shouldn't he be happy for me? What am I suppose to do? Hand in the badge that has Evans actually talking to me? Bollocks if he wants that!"
"Come on Peter," Remus said, waving his wand so one of the books flew into his outstretched hand, "let's get out of here before Prongs explodes from all his hot air."
"I am not full of hot air! Sirius is the one with the issue! He's made everything so darn complicated!"
"Then simplify it," I said. When he looked at me, I realized what I blurted out and quickly stuffed some books in my bag, hoping he would forget what I said.
No such luck.
"Explain Morgan."
I straightened up and took in a deep breath. I can do this; I can talk to the most popular boys in Hogwarts.
"You said he's complicated. So instead of trying to figure him out, why don't you talk to him?" I said.
The three boys glanced at each other, "Talk to him, like girl stuff?" James asked, obviously questioning my sanity.
I fiddled with the edge of my skirt; I hate being made fun of. "If you want to put it that way…"
"Sirius isn't a girl," James snorted, "or are you touched in the head?"
I bristled at the insult, "The way he's acting, I wouldn't be surprised if he is a girl," ignoring Remus's bemused look I ploughed on, "look, you don't have to take my advice, but how are you going to fix the problem if you don't know what it is? Simplify things and ask straight out what his issue is."
"Please, that is so obvious-"
"Exactly!" I cut in, "You're acting like he has some evil plan up his sleeve and is planning on burning you alive. Suck it up and face him like a Gyffindor, instead of sneaking around like a Slytherin."
James glared at me, sending a shiver down my spine. He spun on his heel and marched down the stairs towards the dungeons. Inwardly, I panicked. I had just pissed off the most popular guy in Hogwarts. I am so dead.
Peter chased after him while Remus hung back for a second, "Thank you, we've been having trouble fixing this; they are both too stubborn for their own good. And I wouldn't worry about James," he said, looking at my expression, "he just realized that you were right."
I nodded and watched as he followed his friends down the stairs. I adjusted my bag and walked through the Entrance Hall doors and headed down towards the lake in a daze. I just gave advice to the Marauders! The most popular guys in school!
I smiled and sat down on a rock at the edge of the lake. Taking off my shoes and socks, I dipped my feet into the cool water, enjoying the refreshing sensation in the melting heat. Pulling out my wand, I contemplated practicing the Shield Charm for Defense Against the Dark Arts class but instead chose to relax and sunbathe. Being near the water like this reminded me of my summer as a Muggle lifeguard at the town where my grandparents lived.
A bark-like laugh echoed across the shore, startling me out of my thoughts. Sitting up, I noticed Sirius Black surrounded by several Hufflepuff girls and some boys from Ravenclaw. They were throwing a Fanged Frisbee wildly, trying to make the most unusual catches. Several of the girls squealed when the Frisbee tried to take a chunk of their arm off.
I lay back down onto my back and shot some sparks from my wand while watching the group goof around. Never being one to go outside my comfort zone, I've always had a hard time making friends outside of Gryffindor. I succeed in being friends with Ginger, but that was only after Lily introduced us. My boyfriend in fifth year was from Ravenclaw as well; of course, he was a good friend of Ginger's. I envied Sirius; he has always been the friendly, likable guy who had no trouble making friends.
I smiled as one of the Hufflepuff girls was a little overenthusiastic and threw the Fanged Frisbee over Sirius's head and into the lake. Sirius laughed off her apology and untied his shoes and took off his socks. I bit my lip as he peeled off his shirt and waded into the water. I sat up and watched as he dove in and swam towards the Frisbee. One of the Ravenclaw boys yelled something and Sirius laughed in reply as he tossed the Frisbee back to shore.
A Hufflepuff girl picked up the Frisbee and the group restarted the game. I watched for a moment, before I realized that Sirius hadn't joined them. Looking back out at the water, the lake remained as calm as ever, barely a ripple moved where I had last seen Sirius. I stood up and glanced over the area again, gripping my wand tightly in my hand. Then I saw it; a hand came up out of the water, reaching towards shore, followed by a mop of black hair. Nobody on shore made any recognition of Sirius, even as he took one short gulp of air before disappearing under the surface.
"Gindylows," I whispered, while inside my head the most vulgar swear words were released. I scrambled off the rock and sprinted down the shore in my bare feet to where the group of students was playing with the Fanged Frisbee. Some of them yelled as I barreled through, knocking one over. I continued my sprint through the shallow water, diving in when I reached the drop off – where Sirius disappeared.
Unlike the Mediterranean or the Caribbean waters, the Black Lake is not a glorious shade of crystal blue, flaunting the bleach white sand underneath. My eyes narrowed against the stinging cold, trying to see past the murky water while hoping that the Giant Squid was far away. My school uniform was weighing me down, forcing me to pull harder as I swam through the water. Then I noticed some movement ahead of me. I swam closer and came upon a swarm of Grindylows pulling an unconscious Sirius Black deeper into the weeds.
I pointed my wand at them and thought Relashio. A jet of hot bubbles burst out of my wand straight into their squid like faces. They squealed in fright and sped away from the unexpected attacker. Gripping Sirius under his arms, I kicked hard towards the surface, feeling the tightening sensation in my chest as my lungs craved air. I gasped as I broke the surface, enjoying the warm feel of the sun on my face. Sirius didn't move.
Reaching the shallows, my legs strained from the effort of dragging the heavy body through the water and sand. I barely recognized that someone was screaming but I did hear the rhythmic splashing of a person running towards me through the water.
A shadow fell over me and a tall Ravenclaw boy was standing beside me, looking very pale.
"I'll take him from here," he placed his arms where mine were and started dragging him much faster then I did, "Layla went to get help," he grunted, "someone should be here in a few minutes."
"Not enough time," I breathed, "Can everyone please move away? Thank you" He lay Sirius down on the grass near the water and I dropped down beside him, whipping out my wand.
"Anapneo," I whispered, watching as a thin trail of water spiraled out of his mouth. He still wasn't moving.
Cursing, I placed my cheek above his mouth while keeping my eyes trained on his bare chest. I counted to ten but he wasn't breathing so I tilted his head back, plugged his nose, pressed my lips against his and breathed out, watching his chest rise. I pulled back and pushed his head farther back before blowing air into his mouth again. Someone was crying but I tried to focus on feeling his pulse. I pressed my index and middle finger hard into his neck before I felt the faint beating of his pulse.
Steadying my shaking hands, I continued rescue breathing. A few tense breaths later, Sirius let out a loud cough that echoed across the lake and brought sighs of relief from those surrounding us. As he continued coughing, I rolled Sirius's shaking body onto his side, glancing up long enough to see Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall hurrying across the grounds towards up.
As his coughing slowed, I put Sirius onto his back again. He remained unconscious so I placed my cheek over his mouth again. Feeling warm air hit my face and seeing his chest rise on his own, I grinned, pulling back just as the Healer arrived.
"Out of the way," I stumbled back, falling onto the grass as Madam Pomfrey kneeled down beside Sirius. She mumbled something and waved her wand in a complicated manner but nothing happened. However, since she nodded and conjured a stretcher, I assumed that nothing happening is a good thing. Professor McGonagall came forward and waved her wand, lifting Sirius up onto the stretcher. She said something to Madam Pomfrey who promptly began striding back to the castle with Sirius.
Professor McGonagall waved her arms to silence the whispering. "I am going to ask everyone to return to their dormitories. Mr. Black will be fine after a bit of rest and we will soon see him marauding about the school once again." Several strained laughs vomited forth from the paler faces as the crowd began to disperse. Professor McGonagall turned towards me, her hair disheveled and her cheeks slightly flushed. "Would you please come with me Miss Morgan?"
I nodded and shakily got to my feet. Her hand grabbed onto my elbow as I steadied myself; I felt very light headed. She waved her wand and my things flew into her hand before helping me walk up to the castle.
Some of you might want to kill me for making Sirius drown but I'm going to ask you to be patient! Everything will be explained in due time. Please R&R!