This is the last and final chapter guys. Thanks to those who reviewed or followed this story! :]


Chapter 7

The Marauder's and Lily's cheers filled the room as Phoebe's Patronus crossed the room. She felt like a little child who had just passed her first test. After their last lesson she couldn't wait to show the others what she had achieved. It felt right since she they had always supported her throughout.

"Well done," said Lily while she hugged her tightly. "I am so happy for you... I know this will help a lot."

Phoebe nodded and said, "Well I couldn't have done it without Sirius". She looked at him, smiling and he answered with a charming smile of his own, which now he only reserved for her.

Lily, ever so sharp, did not fail to notice this.

"What is really going on between you two?" asked Lily quietly, drawing her a little away. "And if you say 'nothing' again, I'll use Veritaserum."

Phoebe laughed, surprised that Lily was that curious to the extent of making threats. "Let's just say... We're definitely out of the friend zone." She looked down, her face split in a wide smile.

"Ha!" said Lily, gesturing with her hands. "I knew it!"

Then she fell quiet. Phoebe looked up at her and noticed the expression of slight concern on her face. "What's wrong?" she asked, frowning.

"I'm a bit worried..." she said while crossing her arms. "Sirius is not exactly the most trustworthy."

Phoebe smiled and said, "Well neither was James before you got to know him."

Lily laughed and nodded, "In that case if you're happy, I'm happy." She hugged Phoebe and continued, "But if he so much as says a single word out of place..."

"I know," replied Phoebe. "You'll be there to kick his ass."

"And a sexy ass at that," quipped Sirius, while joining them.

Lily scoffed and eying him she said, "My warning still stands."

Sirius feigned shock and fear and Phoebe laughed.

"Come on," he said while grabbing her hand and leading her towards the door.

"Where are we going?" she asked curiously.

"You'll see," he replied mysteriously while smiling.

Lily watched them go with a mixture of trepidation and joy. If it had been up to her, Sirius would not have even made it in the Top 10 eligible suitors for her friend due to his reputation with the girls. However, reluctantly, she had to admit that Sirius was also one of the best things that had happened to Phoebe lately. She had never seen her so light hearted and radiant and most importantly she had finally overcome her long-time fear. She glanced at James and Phoebe's earlier words reverberated in her mind again. Maybe there was a lot more to Sirius than what meets the eye...

...

There was no moon in the sky and so the stars shone brightly and expansively above them. The air was still and cold but fresh and their breaths came out in tiny puffs of steam. Phoebe shivered a little and Sirius gripped her hand tighter and smiled at her. She had never been out on the school grounds at night and for a good reason. It was forbidden; a word which clearly did not exist in Sirius' dictionary. She knew she should be more worried but with Sirius she felt safe and relaxed. It was as if all her worries had disappeared and it was just him and her.

At first she had thought that he was leading her towards the forest but then he veered to the right and they walked along a path by the lake framed by trees on one side and low bushes and reeds on the other. The only sounds were those of their feet on the grass, the lazy lap of the water against the shore and the occasional cricket.

"It's so quiet and peaceful," she said, whispering unconsciously.

"I know," whispered back Sirius. "But we don't have to whisper."

Phoebe laughed and said, "I've never been out here at night."

"Are you kidding me?!" said Sirius, while looking at her. "I've been out her countless times... I can never have enough of this place."

Phoebe smiled as Sirius stopped near a small patch of grass in between the bushes. He spread out a blanket which he had grabbed on their way out and motioned for her to lie down. Feeling a bit sheepish, she did as she was told and lay down next to him. When she raised her head towards the sky she gasped.

"This is beautiful," she said as she surveyed the night sky above her. A myriad of stars and constellations shone and twinkled like a sea of diamonds. She had never taken the time to observe the stars apart from her Astronomy lessons but even then they usually focused on one constellation or star in particular. This was the whole thing, she felt like she could get lost in it.

"I know," said Sirius quietly, startling her a little as she had forgotten that he was lying down so close to her.

She looked at him and said, "I would never have put you down as a star-gazer Sirius Black."

He smiled, one arm beneath his head, still looking upwards. "There are a lot of things you still don't know about me Ms. McAllister."

She returned his smile and looked back at the stars, thinking about all that happened since the start of term. "I don't know what I would have done without your help."

Sirius' fingers closed over hers and she found him looking at her. "You're not the only one with more to gain here." he said. He drew her closer so that her head was resting on his chest just below his chin.

"Ooh, look!" said Phoebe, pointing just then a shooting star sped across the sky.

"Make a wish," said Sirius amused.

Phoebe looked at him and said, "I wish..." but she never got to finish her sentence as Sirius was suddenly kissing her.

After a short time he pulled back and in mock surprise said, "I'm sorry... wasn't that what you were wishing for?"

Phoebe giggled and whispered, "That and more ... but for now it will do just fine."

They kissed again as another star shot by.


THE END. Any last reviews? If you're interested, you can check out my other stories. Thanks :)