A/N: Hello all! Remember me? No? Oh.. :( Well that's totally my fault and I apologise for being a little bit rubbish. This chapter feels quite short but I promise the next one will be out within a couple of weeks. As soon as exams are done! :D Hope you enjoy, and now... Read on!
The Ravenclaw
"And Trebald makes yet another spectacular save for Slytherin! He's been forced to be on his absolute best form today, by some marvellous Gryffindor Chasing." The commentator's voice rang loudly through the stadium but I paid it no heed. I didn't need some Hufflepuff fourth year – presiding over her first match – to tell me what was obvious.
"Trebald's good," I muttered in annoyance, glaring at the Slytherin keeper as he resumed position in front of the goalposts. Thomas Boyle, Ravenclaw Seventh Year and Captain of our Quidditch team, nodded. His blonde, slightly overgrown hair, hung over his forehead as he watched the match through narrowed eyes.
"You'll have to be better," he said simply. The team was sitting together, looking for Slytherin or Gryffindor weaknesses to exploit in future matches. Our upcoming match was against Hufflepuff but a smart Quidditch player checked out every opposition at any opportunity.
"No problem."
In front of me, Daniel paid absolutely no attention to either the match or Lily Evans. Though she was seated in the Ravenclaw stands, the scarlet and gold scarf wrapped around her neck proved her far from neutral.
"Oi Winters!" Daniel, busy muttering with Roger Mullins, ignored me; I threw a chocolate frog at him. It missed and hit Mullins, but I was okay with that. "Pay attention." Daniel turned to me in annoyance as Mullins favoured me with a dark scowl.
"Shut up, Clar. Urgent business."
"Before I forget," I continued. "I don't suppose you're staying at Hogwarts for Christmas?"
"No." Daniel regarded me warily as Lily groaned in disgust. Slytherin had just scored. "Why?"
"I got a letter from home. Mum and Dad are visiting Nan over the holidays in Canada. I don't really want to go so I thought I'd stay here. I was just curious if anyone else would be too."
"Well you can come to mine instead. I'm sure Mum wouldn't mind."
"You think?" Inviting a girl over for Christmas… Her mum knew we were just friends but wasn't that a bit weird? Daniel hesitated a moment, then shook his head.
"I'm sure it'll be fine. I'll ask." I hoped the offer wouldn't make Lily jealous, but when I cast a quick look she seemed wholly ignorant of our conversation.
"Thanks." I smiled and he gladly returned to Mullins. Next to him, Lily expelled a breath of frustration as Slytherin maintained possession of the Quaffle.
"Come on Gryffindor!" she snarled, apparently annoyed. I raised an amused eyebrow.
"You are aware Gryffindor lead 70:40, aren't you Lily?" She gave an impatient shake of the head.
"It's not enough!" I laughed aloud at her despair.
"I had no idea you were so passionate about the game." Lily turned to face me, an embarrassed smile crossing her features.
"I kind of made a bet."
"You were gambling?" She dismissed my sarcasm with a roll of the eyes. "With who?"
"A friend of mine… That doesn't matter. He was adamant Gryffindor didn't stand a chance. The point is – I got cocky. Not only did I bet we'd win, but I said we'd win by at least 200 points."
"Completely doable," declared Trudy Carver, Ravenclaw Seeker. "All you need is a few more goals and Rowan to catch the Snitch."
"With Trebald playing like that?" I demanded sceptically. "He's virtually impassable."
"Unless you're James Potter," pointed out Trudy, nodding towards the pitch. Lily turned to follow her gesture and gave a small smile of approval; Potter had scored again. "80:40. Forget about the game Trebald's having – it's Potter who's lighting up the field. Maybe he'll do you a favour and score a couple more, Lily."
"The last thing I want is any favours from Potter." Lily glared up at the flying Chaser, but her hand flew to the Gryffindor scarf. "So it pains me to admit that you're probably right."
Lily wrinkled her nose at the admission and I sympathised. Potter was infuriating; though not as bad as Black, he was an ass in his own right. But boy, could that ass fly. Unwilling to admit this, I turned my attention back to the match. Trebald passed to Chaser Lara Smithson. Smithson to Mulciber. Mulciber back to Smithson. Smithson to Eaves. Eaves to –
"Oooh!"
"And that was a close call! The Gryffindor Beaters are working in fantastic synchrony today. James Potter – taking charge of the team in Cara Lorenzo's absence – seems as great a Captain as he is a Chaser."
Eaves had turned sharply to avoid a well placed Bludger. The sudden movement caught him off-guard and he fumbled with the ball. Then James Potter had appeared from nowhere and Eaves had dropped the Quaffle. Before he could even think of rectifying his mistake, Potter had caught the Quaffle and was zooming towards the goalposts.
"And it's James Potter with the ball –"
"Where the hell did he come from?" demanded Jason, outraged. "He's been everywhere today!"
I couldn't answer. The change in atmosphere was tangible. Expectation hung in the air, as it always did when Potter got the ball. The Gryffindor captain, Cara Lorenzo was unconscious in the Hospital Wing; James Potter had taken up the role. Potter with responsibility? I had been sure the Gryffindors would rue that decision. However, captaincy seemed to agree with him. Because James Potter was playing the game of his life.
Inexplicably, the Hufflepuff commentator seemed more excited than anyone.
"Wow! Slytherin could be in trouble here… James Potter. You know things are going to happen when he gets the Quaffle. Gosh, he's amazing. I remember when I first saw him fly. I was a first year and already so excited to watch my first Hogwarts match – "
From the corner of my eye I saw Lily frowning towards the Commentator's podium. The fourth-year girl seemed to harbour a crush.
"I mean I've always loved Quidditch. It's an amazing sport. But James made it even more exciting."
"Commentate on the bloody game," Lily growled, though the girl was too far away to hear.
"He plays with so much skill and talent… I mean - just look at him! He's the reason I tried out for my own House team. James Potter is an inspiration."
"Oh for God's sake!" Lily fumed.
Potter flew low to avoid a Bludger, weaving in and out of opposing players. I didn't see him pass, but suddenly Chandra had the ball. Then James. Then Chandra. Then Potter was back with the Quaffle and I felt a pang of envy as – with the reflexes of a natural born Quidditch player – he feigned left, flew right and sent the Quaffle hurtling through the middle hoop.
"Goal for Gryffindor!" The commentator was drowned out by the roars of the crowd. I frowned as the game resumed and Potter somehow intercepted the Quaffle again.
"Potter's going to be a problem." Trudy echoed my thoughts.
"One good, solid Bludger ought to take care of –"
"Shut up, Jase."
"Look!" screamed Trudy, pointing into the distance from behind him. I followed her finger and saw something shiny.
"Is that – ?"
"Oh my god. Look guys!"
"It's the bloody snitch!"
The Slytherin
My fists were curled into tense little balls, as a whisper of anticipation swept through the crowd. The end was near. We could sense it. I kept my gaze riveted on Regulus.
He spotted the snitch first as I knew he would. If there was one thing that could be said of Regulus, it was that he was observant. He saw what others didn't, noticed what others disregarded.
"And Black has spotted the snitch! He zooms right past Gryffindor seeker Rowan, who's only just noticed what Black is on his way to capture. Rowan's hot on his broomtails, but Black is pulling away…"
Regulus was almost there. Seconds away from the snitch and Slytherin glory.
"What a hit!"
I jumped up angrily as Regulus' broom spun dangerously off course.
"Foul!" Slytherins around me screamed in outrage. I wanted to take up the chant – to stamp and rave about the infernal sport that was determined to leave my boyfriend a broken heap – but I could only hiss in anger.
"Come on Slytherins, that's no foul. Regulus Black is completely waylaid by a Bludger – but that's what the Bludgers are for. Black struggles to regain control of his broom, as Rowan closes in on the snitch."
My eyes were wide as I watched Regulus retain his seat but lose precious inches in the race for the snitch. Rowan was closing in on the tiny, fluttering ball and Regulus was too far to stop him…
"FOUL! Surely that's not allowed? Slytherin Chaser, Hayden Mulciber kicks at the snitch with his foot! Only seekers can handle the snitch! The whistle's blown and it's a penalty for Gryffindor, but what really matters is we've lost sight of the golden ball."
James Potter came forward to take the penalty. He shot right. Trebald dived left.
"Trebald gets his fingertips to the Quaffle, but it's not enough! Gryffindor lead 100:40 and James notches up another goal. What a captain."
Gryffindors roared their approval as I sat stony-faced. Slytherin were back in possession. I was vaguely aware of Mulciber scoring and clapped along with the rest, but I kept my eyes on Regulus. Gryffindor led 100:50.
*****
'Stupid Gryffindors', I thought with disgust as I spotted Gertrude Beck. She hadn't seen me and, slowing my steps just fractionally, I decided to keep it that way. A dark haired figure slipped around the corner and Beck's pace quickened, as if in pursuit. Her fingers curled in obvious agitation. She had reached the end of the corridor and I considered taking another route to the Owlery. But then Beck's raised voiced carried clearly around the corner.
"Sirius!"
I froze.
"For Gods' sake, I'm not going to chase you around the Castle." The annoyance in her tone was clear.
Sirius. And Beck. Alone in a corridor? I tread softly to the corner and peered around the wall. Yes, they were alone.
At that moment I wished for nothing more than an invisibility cloak – or at least the ability to cast a decent disillusionment charm. I had to settle for concealing myself behind a suit of armour and hoping they didn't look my way. It felt juvenile. I would much prefer to walk past them head held high, completely aloof and disdainful, but the opportunity to find out the truth about their relationship was too good to be missed. Logan expected her to stop cavorting with Sirius. This was the easiest way to find out if she had.
"What do you want, Beck?"
If the chill in his words took me aback, it was nothing to the icy glare he levelled her way. Gertrude didn't flinch.
"What's in the bag?" Her tone was casual and posture relaxed as she gestured to the plastic bag Sirius held.
"Stuff," he answered in a grunt. Gertrude rolled her eyes, apparently unsurprised by his reticent behaviour.
"So I would assume. You can do better than that, Sirius. What kind of stuff?"
"Supplies," he answered shortly.
"Ah." She nodded her head in understanding. "For the victory party? There's going to be a party?"
"We did win."
I didn't appreciate the reminder. Regulus would be fuming.
"Well why don't you give me a drink?"
"What do you want Gertrude?" Sirius snapped, not bothering to hide his impatience.
"Butterbeer would be good."
"That's not what I mean."
I frowned to myself. Had I misjudged? Perhaps Gertrude really had ended things. Judging from his behaviour, Sirius was most certainly the dumpee.
"James played well…" For the first time Gertrude's voice faltered, belying her outwardly calm exterior. "He must be thrilled."
"For Merlin's sake!" Sirius yelled, eyes blazing as he took an angry step forward. "You don't give a damn about Quidditch, so don't pretend that you do. Stop being so damn evasive and tell me what the hell it is you want!"
Still Gertrude said nothing. By this time, I was getting annoyed myself. Couldn't she just spit it out? I had a wedding invite to accept. If she said anything incriminating, I could send a letter to Logan too. Gertrude stared calmly back at him. Meeting her gaze Sirius' anger trailed off, his expression replaced by a humourless smirk. He shook his head.
"Is it any wonder I want nothing to do with you?" I widened my eyes in surprise. Maybe he was the dumper after all…
"Sirius –" Her tone was admonishing, but Sirius cut off any protestations.
"No, Gertrude. No. You can say it's none of my business as many times as you like. You've already told me you don't care what I think, so why should it matter? Why are we even talking?"
"Why shouldn't we?"
"Because deny it all you want, but the moment you agreed to go out with him you chose a side. And guess what Beck? I'm on the other one."
"Stop being so dramatic! I went on a date. I didn't make any life choices. Everybody's blowing this far out of proportion…"
"If you truly believe that, you're even stupider than I thought." She made no response, so Sirius pressed his advantage. "What were you thinking, Gertrude? He's scum. You must realise that." My jaw clenched. I had no doubt who they meant. "He's nothing more than a racist, spouting out Pureblood supremacy nonsense and – worse – believing it. You think he'll let you stay neutral in this war?" Something flickered in Gertrude's eyes.
"There is no war. And I'm not interested in politics."
"It's not 'politics'!" Sirius exclaimed, dumbfounded. "It's life! And that apathetic crap just isn't going to cut it anymore. When are you going to realise that? If you're not fighting against them, you're helping them win. And if you're dating one of them…?" Sirius' face twist in disgust. "Then you've chosen your side."
I thought of Regulus and couldn't help concede that perhaps Sirius had a point. I knew what side I was born to. I knew what side I was on.
"I dated you."
"It's not the same and you know it."
Sirius watched her carefully as she scrambled for some sort of response. The hesitation in her face was apparent and it seemed to give him hope.
"He's not good for you Gertrude." Sirius' voice lowered so I had to inch forward to hear it. He locked eyes with Beck, willing her to understand. "He's dangerous. He's not a good person. You shouldn't have anything to do with him. Tell me you realise that." The conviction in his voice gave me pause. "Tell me you realise that you should get the hell away…"
Gertrude blinked up at him. Her eyes were bright and unsure, and when she spoke her voice was even softer than his.
"Believe me, Sirius." There was a bitter edge to her words. "I do."
The transformation of Sirius' features was a marvel to behold. The despairing, surly glare vanished as his eyes lit up.
"You do?" A tentative smile spread across his face as if he could hardly believe his ears. "Really, Gerty? You do?"
"Of course." Unlike Sirius, Beck was becoming more miserable by the second. "I'm under no illusions. He's…" She broke off, unable to finish the sentence.
"I'm glad you've come to your senses." Sirius offered her a bright smile, and Beck provided a weak one in response.
"So," she began, looking to change the subject. "How's things? You didn't seem very happy at breakfast."
Sirius pulled a sheet of parchment from his pocket and glared down at it.
"Letter from home."
"Oh."
"I'm ordered to attend a wedding over Christmas."
"Bellatrix to Lestrange?" Sirius looked up quickly at her words. The sudden change in atmosphere startled me. Were they friends now?
"You're going too?"
"The family's invited." Gertrude shrugged. "My parents will go but they know it's not my thing. I plan to stay the hell away."
Thank Merlin. I happened to be looking forward to the wedding. I didn't want the shadow of Gertrude Beck tainting my day.
"Come!" Sirius appealed. "Please? Come Gertrude, and at least there'll be one person I can tolerate."
"Why are you even going?" Beck demanded, unimpressed. "Since when do you do what mother says?"
"Since she made it clear a no-show equals a transfer to Durmstrang."
"Oh." Gertrude sighed. "I don't think so, Sirius. I hate these kinds of things."
"Come on." His tone had changed now. It was gently coaxing as he moved closer to Beck, his right hand moving down her shoulder to rest gently above her elbow. "Please?"
I watched, mouth agape, as his face drew closer to hers. What a tramp! The victory felt sweet. How to tell Logan? I knew she'd never be able to make a relationship with him last…
"Wait." The sound of Beck's voice brought me down from my triumph. She placed a restraining hand on Sirius' chest and drew their bodies apart. She shook her head.
"I can't, Sirius. I'm sorry." My eyebrows flew up. "I won't."
"What's the matter?" Sirius asked, puzzled. Gertrude hesitated again and it took only that moment for Sirius to work out the truth.
"You're still going to see him, aren't you?" He waited for her to deny it, but Gertrude remained silently composed. "Merlin. I can't believe this!" Sirius swore softly under his breath. "What about everything you just said?"
"It's true. I know I shouldn't date him, that he's got his flaws…"
" 'Flaws'? Flaws?"
"But I can't help it." Beck ignored the interruption. "I want to date him. It's my choice, Sirius. You've never cared who I dated before."
"Don't you mean 'who you fucked before'?" The anger was rising in Sirius again. "You don't think he really likes you, do you? Let's be honest – you're hardly girlfriend material."
Kind of mean… But very true.
"Shut up, Sirius."
"You know, he'll be at the wedding." Gertrude failed to hide her interest in this news. Sirius noticed and gave a smirk. "Of course he will. The guest list will be like something out of a Death Eater convention. You don't think Logan Carville would miss out on that?"
"Sirius – "
"I don't want to hear it."
"Sirius! Maybe I will come to the wedding." He gaped at her in disbelief, head shaking at the sudden turnaround. "I probably won't have a good time, but maybe we can – " Sirius expelled his breath in a loud scoff.
"Save it." He cut her off. "I'm leaving." Sirius backed away, eyes once more narrowed in disgust. "Gryffindor beat the Slimeballs today, remember? The rest of us are going to celebrate. You just do whatever the hell you want."
"I've tried to be civil but you just won't let me."
"I don't want to hear your excuses. I'm past caring, Beck. You're pathetic."
Gertrude inhaled sharply as her own anger crept up on her.
"You don't even want to hear what I have to say."
"Just got that, have you?"
There was a moment of silence. Then Gertrude Beck pulled herself to her full height and faced the retreating Black head on.
"Fine. That's it, then. But before I forget…" A cruel smirk wrenched her lips. "I had a nice little chat with Ara today." Sirius froze in his tracks, eyes narrowed in warning.
"You what?"
"You know – Ara. The other Bella. The nice Bella."
"She has nothing to do with you Gertrude."
"Oh, but we're friends now." Beck gave a cold smile. "Is that a problem?" Sirius' look could have frozen ice.
"What's she got to do with you?"
"I told you. We're friends!"
The false cheer in her voice made even me uncomfortable. "There were some things I thought she would want to know." Her words laced with menace. "What you're really like." They couldn't be talking about Arabelle Willis. Surely not. How did she factor into things?
"What do you mean – 'what I'm really like'? What did you tell her?" Gertrude said nothing. "Why would you do that?" Sirius' threw up his arms in complete confusion. "Honestly, Gertrude. I haven't the faintest idea why you do half of what you do anymore. But you know what? I don't care. You're all hostility and spite and – without a doubt – the most selfish person I know."
"Only you don't know me, do you Sirius?" Her voice was tight and unyielding. "Not really." Sirius regarded her warily a moment then gave a small nod.
"You may have a point there." He hesitated. "Just tell me why though, Gertrude. Why would you do that?" His eyes were bright as he frantically sought an answer. Any answer. The silence hung heavy in the air.
"Why not?" Gertrude replied coldly.
With another scoff Sirius nodded to himself, as if this was all the answer he'd expected. Then without a word, he turned on his heal and marched down the corridor to disappear behind a large tapestry. Gertrude stared after him only a moment then – face set – strode down the hallway until she had turned a corner and was also out of sight. 'Stupid Gryffindors', I thought to myself. So bloody temperamental…
The Gryffindor
'Why would you that?'
I stormed up towards Gryffindor Tower, Sirius' words reverberating in my ears. Because I'm an idiot, I thought furiously. Because I thought it'd take your mind off me and Logan. Because I thought it'd make us friends again…
Lately, my idiocy knew no bounds. And however angry I was with Sirius I was even angrier at myself. Since when had I allowed his opinion to matter? I was never one of those people that felt the need to be liked. So when Sirius kicked up a fuss about me and Logan I shouldn't have cared. I shouldn't have felt the need to distract him. I shouldn't have wanted to help get him and Willis together so he'd forget about Logan, concentrate on his own damn life and even owe me a favour.
Yet for some reason I had.
I wasn't thinking straight, I decided. And it was all his fault. Freezing me out like he had ever since Hogsmeade… But no. That wouldn't do. Because it would mean I cared. And I didn't. I threw open the portrait hole and – ignoring the party warming up around me – headed for the stairs. He was no more than a petulant child.
"Hi Gertrude!"
I spun to scowl at a smiling Remus Lupin. His smile faltered and I felt a surge of victory. I still had some of the old me in there somewhere. But then Remus' face creased into a frown as he looked at me through worried eyes. "Are you okay?"
Stupid Lupin.
"Shut up." I hissed, heading back for the stairs. Bloody do-gooders. Behind me, I heard Remus voice again:
"Sirius." I wavered in my stride, then resolutely continued walking. "Do you think Gertrude's okay?"
My foot perched on the bottom stair I turned my head. It was only for a moment. But in that moment Sirius' gaze flickered my way and we locked eyes. The venom in his expression set off my own answering glare.
"Who cares?" came Sirius' calm reply, as he turned back to his friend. "She doesn't care about anyone else, so why should anyone care about her?" Remus looked between us uncertainly.
"Sirius, don't you think you're being –"
"You know, she's even gone on to whispering things in Arabelle's ear." Sirius voice was louder now, the anger more obvious. "Arabelle's."
"What?" Remus exclaimed, looking at me in annoyance. "What did she say?" The question was directed at Sirius but he looked to me for a response. "Gertrude?" I said nothing. Remus raised his eyebrows in disbelief.
"Exactly," agreed Sirius. "So you might want to remember what a manipulative little ice-queen she is before you start defending her, Moony."
"Have you been to see Arabelle?" Remus asked with a frown. "To make sure she's okay?" Sirius shrugged, open Firewhisky in hand.
"I highly doubt she'll want to see me."
"You don't know that."
"Just leave it, Remus!" Sirius scowled darkly at his friend and then the entire room, before taking off into the crowd. Remus turned to me, hazel eyes accusing.
"Gertrude. Is Arabelle okay?"
Without a word, I thundered up to the dorms.
The Hufflepuff
I smiled to myself as I set aside the letter. I'd post it as soon as I could. I hadn't written home nearly as often this year, and I didn't want my parents to worry.
"Arabelle?"
"Hi Heidi." I smiled up at fourth-year, Heidi Blume. "Great commentating today."
"Thanks," she flushed. "I've been hoping to do it for ages."
"I heard you made the Quidditch team, too?"
"Yes." Heidi nodded. "I wanted to be a Chaser like James Potter but they said I wasn't good enough."
"Oh." I stared up at her in surprise. "I'm sorry. I'm sure they were wrong."
"They weren't. It's okay, though. I'm Beater instead. I know it's not exactly glamorous…"
"It's great, Heidi! I can hardly stay on a broom. I'm sure you'll be great."
"Yeah well…" She scuffed her toe against the carpet, shoulders falling in a careless shrug. "These broad shoulders had to come in useful for something." She raised her head with a small smile that didn't entirely reach her eyes.
"Heidi, I – "
"There's someone waiting for you outside the portrait door."
"What?" I broke off in surprise. Heidi had already turned to head toward the dorms. "Who?"
"Remus Lupin," she called. "See you, Ara."
Her parting wave went completely unanswered… I was frozen in shock.
*****
"Remus. Hi." I smiled up at my ex-crush as the portrait door slammed shut behind me. My heart thudded. It struck me I was doing a very bad job of avoiding him. But really, not coming out to see him would have been plain rude.
"Arabelle." He was looking at me strangely. "Thanks for coming to meet me."
"Why wouldn't I?" I asked, completely nonplussed. He looked great. If I'd still thought myself in love with him, those sensitive hazel eyes would have been my undoing. Fortunately, I knew better. That didn't mean I could look into his eyes for prolonged periods, though. I was better; I wasn't cured.
"Do you mind walking towards the Owlery?" I asked, averting my gaze and gesturing down the corridor. "I want to post a letter."
"Sure. No problem."
"Great." I gulped and waited for him to say something. He didn't. As we walked he watched me from the corner of his eye and I became increasingly uneasy. "So… What's up, Remus? Is it about Prefect duties?" He looked at me in surprise and then quickly shook his head.
"No. Not at all. I just… Are you okay, Ara?" My heart froze momentarily. I waited for it to resume beating and then gave him a small smile.
"Of course. Why wouldn't I be?" My answer seemed to unnerve him.
"Are you sure?" I paused in the hallway and frowned in thought.
"I'm fine Remus." With an effort I met those eyes. "Shouldn't I be?" A trace of colour reached his cheeks and I considered myself gobsmacked. He was blushing. "Remus?" Now I was concerned.
"I… I know Gertrude Beck spoke to you."
"Oh." His blush was nothing to the heat now suffusing my cheeks. I quickly turned and continued walking. I must have been walking quite fast because he hurried to catch up with me.
"I'm sorry, Ara. Maybe I shouldn't have mentioned it. But she did speak to you, didn't she?"
Yes, she'd spoken to me. That conversation had been torturing me all day.
"Yes." I answered reluctantly. It wasn't a conversation I wanted to rehash with Remus Lupin.
"Well, whatever she said… I'm sorry." My eyes widened at this.
"You're sorry?"
"Yes. And I know Sirius is really angry at her. So whatever she said, please ignore it. She and Sirius are having some fight and it wasn't fair of her to bring you into it."
She'd said Sirius liked me. That he genuinely liked me. And now Sirius was angry at her… I felt something twist inside me.
"It's okay!" I replied, too brightly. "I never believed any of it anyway." I was stupid to think it had ever been more than mind games.
"Really?"
"Of course not." As if Sirius would ever like me.
"Oh good." Remus sounded relieved. That hurt. "Sirius will be glad. He thinks you hate him…"
"What?" That did surprise me. "Of course not. Why would I hate him?"
"Well what Gertrude said…" Remus frowned at my confusion. "She did talk to you about Sirius, didn't she?" I breathed deeply to stem the flush.
"Yes." I took another deep breath. "But she didn't say anything mean."
"Really?" Now Remus was surprised. For some reason that annoyed me. Did he think Gertrude completely incapable of saying anything nice? I felt a surge of protectiveness for the girl.
"Yes. She was perfectly sweet about it. She didn't say anything mean, just something…untrue." Why was I defending her again? Maybe because for some reason I didn't believe she'd set out to hurt me. She'd probably set out to annoy Sirius and I was collateral damage. It was my own fault for ever believing her… Remus eyed me curiously.
"What did she say, Ara?" His expression was thoughtful now. I didn't answer. "What did she say?"
"Nothing. It doesn't matter."
"Did she say Sirius likes you?" I halted at this, completely alarmed.
"What?" I gaped in disbelief. How did he know that?
"Is that what she said, Ara?"
"Well…" I turned from him again. Mum always said I was an open book. "It doesn't matter."
"I'll take that as a yes." Remus gave a knowing smile and I withheld a groan of embarrassment.
"It doesn't matter, Remus. Like I said – I didn't believe her."
"Why not? It's true."
"What?" This day was too confusing. "What do you mean, 'it's true'? Of course it's not true."
"It is." Remus smiled kindly and I swore I was drowning in emotions. "I'm sure Sirius would have liked to tell you himself, but there seem to have been some crossed wires."
"You just said he was angry at her…"
"Well he is. But only because he doesn't know what she said. He thought she'd said something to turn you against him." Again, that feeling of protectiveness rose.
"You need to give her more credit. All of you." Was I telling Remus off? "She's not that bad."
"Don't judge her too quickly, Ara." Remus warned. "I don't know what she's said to you…"
"Yet you assumed it was something mean. Maybe it's you who ought not to judge her too quickly!" Remus gaped at me.
"I'm sorry," he finally murmured. "Maybe you're right."
"I am." I nodded my head and Remus smiled. I felt suddenly awkward again.
"Well, I've got to go deliver this letter…"
"You're really nice, Arabelle." His words caught me off guard. "I can see why Sirius likes you." That sentence played havoc with my heart. I wished he'd stop talking. "He would have come to see you… I know he wanted to. He was just so sure you wouldn't want to see him and getting James to let him leave the party would have been near impossible."
"Okay. Thanks. Like I said, I've really got to go deliver this letter." Remus gave a sudden laugh.
"You're quite focused on that letter." I flushed, but his tone was kind as he led us toward the Owlery. "Who's it to?"
"Well I got a letter from home…" Despite the chaos of the day, I had to smile. "My cousin Rachel – she's four – she's shown some magic ability."
"Really?" Remus grinned. "Aren't you muggleborn?"
"Yes. That's why it's so exciting. I mean, my aunt doesn't understand what's happening yet. She's still reasoning the whole thing away. When she starts to get more suspicious I'm sure my parents will step in and explain."
This whole 'talking to Remus Lupin' thing wasn't so bad. Maybe I wouldn't have to avoid him. Maybe we could even be friends. Though then I'd probably see Sirius a lot more… Was that a good thing or bad? God this day was confusing. "Now my mum's wondering if Gran was secretly a witch." I laughed in delight and Remus grinned alongside me.
"That's amazing, Ara." He sounded like he meant it.
"I know."
"Is she the first one – other than you – to show magic in your family?"
"The first one I know off," I explained. "It's hard to know for sure when none of my aunts or uncles would recognise the signs. None of my siblings have, though there's still time. They're quite young."
"How many do you have?"
"Two brothers and three sisters."
"Wow."
"Yeah." I smiled to myself. "Wow." This 'talking to Remus Lupin' thing wasn't too bad at all…
A/N: So that's that. In case you're vaguely curious - Gryffindor won. By 200 points :P
Hope you enjoyed the chapter! :) And if you feel like reading more you can follow the link from my profile page to where I have a little more of the story up. As always, feedback is welcome. So..until next time ;)
