Suspicious Affairs
After endless weeks of constant rain and a dreary sky, the sun crept out slowly from behind the grey clouds and basked the castle and its grounds in a warm glow. It was finally Spring; meaning that most of the student body took to spending their free time in the grounds, despite the upcoming June examinations. The Gryffindor first years however, were confined to their Transfiguration classroom, where Professor McGonagall continued to instruct them on Switching Spells.
"Mr Pettigrew if I see your eyes droop one more time I will jinx them open!" barked Professor McGonagall.
Peter turned a bright shade of red and tried to shake the drowsiness off him. Remus, who was seated beside him, gave him a reproachful look and continued taking notes. He was extremely pale, Peter noted, and looked like he hadn't slept well in a while. Nothing food cannot cure, thought the boy hungrily. Behind them, Sirius and James were still in fits over Peter's scolding and were exaggeratedly imitating Peter's previously lolling head.
"I hope you find your upcoming examination paper as amusing as you do my lessons – Black, Potter – I daresay you have begun to study, otherwise you wouldn't be taking them so lightly" snapped Professor McGonagall, sternly.
James and Sirius glanced at each other shiftily and stopped laughing. They obviously hadn't put much thought into studying for their upcoming June examinations, even though they were due in a few weeks' time.
"It will do you all good to take a leaf out of Mr Lupin's book" she continued, addressing the whole class. "Sheer talent and over confidence" she added her eyes sweeping over Sirius and James, "will not get you more than a pass."
Remus glanced back at his two friends with a self-satisfied smile. He had been nagging them for the past two weeks to accept the study plan he had devised, because without studying he was sure they would not pass. James rolled his eyes at him and Sirius brushed off his shoulder. Remus sighed and turned back in his seat. He was exhausted; tonight was the full moon. Professor McGonagall had given him special permission to have dinner in her office that evening, so as to avoid unwanted questions, and to skip out on Astronomy altogether. He had already come up with the excuse he was going to feed his friends, although he didn't know how long he could keep this up. He may be able to fool Peter long enough, but James and Sirius asked too many questions for their own good. Remus frowned and wrote down the homework Professor McGonagall had just assigned them.
His concentration seemed to worsen when the full moon was near; all he could think about was the excruciating pain he experienced just before he blacked out. He tried to push the terrifying thoughts out of his mind, but it was proving to be impossible. Remus was terrified to say the least, and that fear consumed him entirely when he allowed it to infiltrate his mind. He detested being alone during transformations, yet feared being in others' company, lest he maimed them. Instead, he seemed to take out his distress on himself, as he always woke up to aching muscles and multiple scratches.
"What's the point of studying if I already know all I need to know?" whispered James, jolting Remus out of his thoughts.
"It's a waste of time if you ask me" shrugged Sirius.
"We'll see" muttered Remus, turning in his chair to pack his things away. The lesson had come to an end, and the class was already piling out, making their way to the Great Hall for lunch.
"You know something, don't you?" asked James, as he slung one strap of his bag onto his shoulder.
"Professor McGonagall may have given me a slight hint of what's to come" whispered Remus, as the foursome made their way out of class.
He had been bursting to tell his friends this for a whole week, yet the circumstances under which the professor had given him a hint could not be told without revealing his condition to his friends.
Sirius squeezed himself between Peter and Remus, and draped his arm casually around Remus' shoulder. "And you're obviously going to be a good friend and tell us" he grinned.
"Maybe" said Remus slowly. Truth was, he did not think they particularly deserved to know. However, Remus was so grateful to have found such brilliant friends, he did not want to give them reason to abandon him. Yet under all his fear, a mischievous voice burst out of him, "or maybe not" he added, smirking.
"Remus Lupin, you rascal" chided James, clearly amused, "how did you manage to charm McGonagall into giving you a hint?"
"Oh it was actually quite easy," said Remus, frowning slightly, going over the lie he had fabricated over the past week, "I happened to need some clarification regarding Switching Spells, and she gave me a few pointers" he added, swelling with pride, as his friends regarded him in awe.
On this particularly sunny mid-day, most of the older students were scattered across the grounds, some huddled under the various shady trees revising for their upcoming exams, while others basked in the sun by the lake, dipping their feet in the cool water. The Hufflepuff Quidditch team were using their free time before lunch to practise relentlessly on the pitch, trying to avoid the hexes being sent their way by the Slytherin team concealed in the stands, while some students gathered beneath the pitch for the entertainment. A group of Ravenclaw 5th years sat beneath a large beech tree, practising spells for their upcoming O. and throwing disapproving looks at the students who were making far too much noise.
One particular Ravenclaw, however, had detached herself from the noise, choosing instead to confine herself to a secluded area near the castle which still allowed her beady eyes to scrutinise every students' move. She sat cross legged on the warm grass, a thick notepad in her lap and a mass of scrap pieces of parchment spread out around her. Occasionally, her beady eyes would sweep over the grounds before she resumed to writing furiously on her notepad; her bright purple quill barely touching the parchment as it zoomed over it, trying to get in as much detail as possible.
Rita Skeeter was never one to leave out the slightest detail, and in this particular case, the very first case, she was determined to get it right. She looked up and let out a frustrated growl while brushing a blonde curl out of her eyes, which swarmed with tears in the bright sunlight. She had been working on this particular project for almost a year now; it had started out as a simple observation, which then moved on to curiosity and finally obsession. Yet despite her best efforts she still hadn't managed to confirm the final most crucial detail of all and it was driving her up the wall.
After tireless months of convincing she had finally managed to convince her Head of House as well as the Headmaster to allow her to launch a school paper. This revelation had come to her at the beginning of the year, upon observing the aforementioned obsession. She found the student body of Hogwarts extremely intriguing and was enthusiastic to report her observations. Yet Professor Dumbledore's and Professor Flitwick's idea of a school paper was worlds apart from her own idea. Nevertheless, she had agreed to compromise as long as she was allowed to include a section on the school's social circle.
She looked down once more at her notes written in miniscule handwriting and sighed. It was a mess, half of the words were scratched out and there wasn't a coherent sentence to speak of. At least if it falls into the wrong hands it would be meaningless, she though devilishly, before beginning to write it again.
It has been established over the years that the Bee is one to be respected, even feared. Her status and family heritage have allowed her to get away with almost everything. Yet, does her family, named after the colour of the night's sky, know the true Bee? On the surface she seems to be following in her many ancestors' footsteps, power, respect, and a fine line of gentlemen yearning to capture her heart – namely Single Malt. Yet what is the Bee really like? Is she anything at all like her family on the inside? Closer observation has uncovered that while the Bee upholds a strong front, she seems to have had a number of unexplained disappearances over the year. I have been informed by a reliable source, Sleek, that has experienced this first hand. Sleek has disclosed that the Bee has been seen leaving the common room moments before curfew, claiming to send an owl to someone or other. In fact she has been meeting up with none other than Muscle, in secluded areas all around the castle. The nature of their meetings, far more than friendly. The Bee has been seen stumbling out of broom closets with Muscle, their arms wrapped around each other in a far more than friendly embrace. I wonder what her family would have to say about that. Sure, Muscle is as pure as the Bee, with regards to blood (not behaviour), but will his heritage compare to that of say, Single Malt? Sleek has been very helpful as of late. For a socialite who claims to be always in the know, he sure is oblivious to my antics. In fact he has confirmed that the Bee has been sent a request for courtship (and possibly future marriage) from Single Malt yet dear old Sleek refuses to confirm whether she has accepted, without any benefits – the rascal. Enough on Sleek though, the real question lies in the hive. Will the Bee accept the request? Will she still play with the Muscle's heart? Will she stop disappearing in the dead of the night to meet him? Or will she simultaneously play around with both? Innocent until proven guilty I guess.
Rita smiled mischievously; there that's more like it. She scanned the grounds and spotted Bellatrix huddled under a willow tree with her usual posse. If only I was a tiny insect, she sighed, I could listen in on all the juicy conversations. She frowned slightly and scratched her chin with her quill. She needed to know whether Bellatrix had accepted the request or not. Yet, Malfoy was proving to be a tough nut to crack. She needed to step things up and fast. The paper was due to be published within the next few weeks; all she needed was that last piece of information. There really is only one way, she thought, a devilish smirk playing on her lips as she got up to execute the plan already forming in her mind.
"I just cannot comprehend…" said Lily, clearly frustrated.
The first years had just had a quick lunch, before their last class for the day – double Potions with the Slytherins. Lily, along with Marlene, Alice and Mary had had a heated discussion regarding the particularly difficult Switching Spell McGonagall had assigned them during their lesson a few hours before and were now continuing their conversation whilst making their way through the packed Entrance Hall, in the direction of the dungeons.
"You'll get the hang of it Lily, don't worry" said Mary, over the loud babbling.
"You're not the only one finding difficulty with them" sighed Alice.
"I can never get it precisely right though, it's so infuriating" fumed Lily, pushing through.
No matter how hard the girl had practised, she could not make the switch precisely right. If only every subject could be as simple as Potions, she thought to herself. She had grown particularly fond of the subject over the past months. Not only had she grasped the subject immediately, but she was also one of Professor Slughorn's favourites, along with Severus Snape who had inherited his talent from his mother.
"You just detest not being good at something" teased Marlene, nudging Lily playfully, pulling her out of her thoughts.
"No" started Lily indignantly, "I just…"
"Detest not being good at something?" smirked Marlene, causing Mary to giggle.
They had managed to make their way halfway across the hall by now, yet had to stop for a while as Alice stopped to speak to her two older cousins, Gideon and Fabian Prewett, causing Lily to become more frustrated. She despised being in crowds.
"How did you manage it?" asked Lily, frowning slightly, adjusting the strap on her school bag, while Marlene tucked her shoelace into the side of her shoes.
"Oi!", exclaimed Marlene as she straightened up, giving Lily a playful shove, "I can be good at something you're not!"
"No" said Lily, hastily, "I didn't mean it like" she continued, clearly embarrassed.
Marlene, scrunched her face in concentration, "I just concentrate on the object, not too hard though, and it happens" she added vaguely
"But how?" asked Mary, clearly bothered by all the commotion.
"I think the more you fret over it, the less likely you are to manage it" said Alice, now joining them.
The girls stood by the staircase for a while, waiting for the crowd to thin out before attempting to make their way to the dungeon.
"Probably" shrugged Marlene, "It's kind of like you and Potions Lils, although I don't think Transfiguration is my best subject."
"What you see in Astronomy is beyond me" said Mary, rolling her eyes.
"I don't like the subject… I just like the stars" Marlene said defensively, "besides, you all know defence is my subject"
"Defence really? More like attack" laughed Alice; referring to the jinx Marlene had put on her brother for telling her to be quiet in the common room the night before.
"If only Quidditch were a subject!" sighed Marlene exaggeratedly, ignoring their previous comments and beginning to make her way through the thinning crowd again.
"Too bad you can't try out this year" called Marlene's brother Ben, as he slid down the side of one of the many balustrades and squeezed himself between the girls while ruffling Marlene's hair. "There's an opening on your team, some seventh years couldn't handle the pressure what with N.E.W.T.s round the corner."
"Ugh" sighed Marlene, rolling her eyes. Will they ever give me a moment of peace? she thought, as they reached the door leading to the dungeons.
"I'm still going to try" piped up James, from behind them. He clearly had been trying to catch up.
"You can try all you want, but the Muscle would never allow it, no first years, that's a rule" called Ben over his shoulder making his way through the crowd, while the Gryffindors made their way down the dungeon stairs.
"Maybe I'll impress them with my talent" called James proudly, causing Marlene to scoff and roll her eyes.
"Who's the muscle?" asked Mary curiously.
"McLaggen" replied Marlene nonchalantly, "You'd be hard pressed to find a broom big enough to carry you and your pride" she added turning on James, causing the others to laugh.
"Oi! I'm not big headed!" cried James, indignantly, looking to his friends for confirmation.
"No, of course not" replied Sirius sarcastically
James turned to Remus who shrugged.
"Sorry to break it to you mate" smirked Sirius.
James stood in the stairs, weighing what his friends had just implied, causing everyone to groan. At this rate they were going to be late for Potions. Lily pushed by them, followed by the other girls.
"Well hang on, let's not forget the way you strut around" started James, pointing at Sirius, who was clearly unphased, "And you with your know it all attitude" he added, rounding on Remus, who sniggered.
"Don't get your knickers in a twist Potter, we like you, big head and all" laughed Sirius, earning himself a shove from James. "Anyway, we could both try out next year"
"Count me in" called Marlene over her shoulder.
"Why should I?" scoffed Sirius, as they caught up with the rest of their class.
"Because I'll be trying out too" replied Marlene, stopping outside the class, clearly oblivious to his tone.
"Which position?" asked Sirius, curiously.
"Chaser – or maybe Beater – I have a good aim" smirked Marlene, oozing with pride.
"Beater?" scoffed Sirius, "I'm going to try out for that" he added, stealing a glance at James, who avoided his gaze.
"Well as far as I know, there are two Beaters on a team" pointed out Marlene, clearly frustrated.
"Yes, two Beaters who are generally blokes", began Sirius, "due to the required build" he added, in a self-satisfied tone.
"Well then, that definitely rules you out doesn't it princess?" teased Marlene, causing the others to snort.
"We'll see about that" retorted Sirius defiantly, giving James a look as if to say 'who does she think she is'.
"Well I hope you're all ready to brew a very handy potion today" came a cheerful voice from the door of one of the dungeons, "if done correctly it will cure any boil without leaving any marks, however, take extra caution when adding ingredients as the slightest mishap could have disastrous consequences" added Professor Slughorn ushering them in.
As the class settled down into pairs around the cauldrons, Professor Slughorn read the instructions on the black board briefly and prompted them to begin their work. They had been working on similar concoctions for the past month, therefore they did not need a thorough explanation before attempting the potion. Sirius, James, Remus and Peter huddled around two cauldrons at the back of the classroom and began chopping up and grouping their ingredients. Remus surveyed his book closely so as to make sure they do not skip a step, and began giving Peter instructions.
"So do you think Professor McGonagall will stay true to her word?" asked Peter nervously, he had been clearly mulling the situation over in his mind for quite a while now. "You know, about needing to study…" he added for clarification.
"Well judging by the fact that you sleep through her lessons…" began Sirius, as he chopped up some daisy roots.
"Not all of them", began Peter defensively, stirring in the roots Remus had just added, "Okay, all of them" sighed Peter, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
"Oh come now, examinations are ages away, even if we did begin to revise, we'd forget it all by June" said James, clearly convinced, as he double checked the board before adding the chopped roots.
"I thought you said you already know what you have to know" said Remus looking across at him, a smirk playing on his mouth, as he added another ingredient to his and Peter's potion.
"I do, I'm just trying to make a point for Peter" retorted James, as though it was obvious.
"Besides, you're going to be a good friend and give us the hint" said Sirius, grinning at Remus, clearly sure of himself.
"Don't make us bully it out of you" said James from the corner of his mouth, as Professor Slughorn walked by their table.
"She's going to give us calculations isn't she?" squealed Peter, who sat on a stool biting his finger nails, oblivious to the fact that Remus was doing the potion on his own.
"Is she?" demanded James, looking over his cauldron at Remus.
"Yes" sighed Remus, he was too exhausted to put up a fight.
"That old-" began Sirius.
"Your potions should now be turning a brilliant shade of purple!" called Professor Slughorn from right beside him, causing him to start. "Ah yes, Ms Evans and Mr Snape seem to be on the right track" he added as he moved towards them.
"Calculations? She's giving us calculations?" squealed Peter, still lost in his anxiety.
"What did you expect really?" sighed Remus, handing him a knife and some ingredients to chop – they had fallen behind.
"Don't get your knickers in a twist Pete, I'll let you copy off me" said Sirius casually.
"You know very well that it would be impossible Sirius" frowned Remus.
"There is always a way Remus my dear friend, always" smirked Sirius, as their potion turned purple.
"There would be no point in him copying them off you if you get them wrong" pointed out Remus, satisfied at seeing his potion turning purple too.
"I will not be getting them wrong Remus" added Sirius, determinedly facing Remus.
"But you're not studying" pointed out Remus
"I'm just that good" shrugged Sirius, leaning on the table to go over the next steps on his book.
"And I'm the one that gets called big headed?" exclaimed James, adding the last ingredients to their potion.
"Ask me to switch anything in this room and I'll do it perfectly" said Sirius, standing up straight, determined to prove his point, "For instance I can switch Snivellus' hair colour to pink, or his ingredients, or actually the label of his ingredients" he added devilishly, his eyes begging Remus, or anyone for that matter, to challenge him.
"You wouldn't…" began James, clearly amused, as he stirred the potion.
Sirius scanned the classroom, like an animal calculating its next move. Severus Snape stood at a table diagonally to his right, almost at the front of the classroom. Upon closer observation, Sirius noted that Snape needed only to stir his potion five times clockwise and once counter clockwise, before adding his last ingredient to the concoction, judging from the hazy fumes rising from his cauldron. It was so easy, the vial with the last ingredient stood at the edge of the table, alongside another vial with different ingredients…
"Sirius, no-" began Remus, but alas it was too late. As Snape searched for the last ingredient to add to his potion, Sirius quickly managed to mutter an incantation, causing the two vials to switch labels right under Snape's nose.
"Brilliant" sniggered James, as they watched Snape select the vial which was mislabelled and add the contents to his potion, causing it to bubble ferociously.
"Not amusing", muttered Remus, who did not want to encourage Sirius further, yet involuntary doing so.
"Let's see then, how about whacking him in the head with a book" added Sirius, mischievously, causing Remus to sigh.
"Now you're just showing off" said James, as Sirius levitated his Potions book towards Snape's greasy head.
Remus and Peter stared, mouth open in disbelief, as Sirius' book zoomed across the dungeon, about to hit Snape's head.
"Get a move on Mr Black, you're lagging behind" snapped Professor Slughorn, from his desk, causing Sirius to lose concentration momentarily, allowing his book to land in Snape's cauldron with a loud SPLASH!
"What's going on?!" yelled Slughorn, who made to get up, yet froze at the sight before him.
James and Sirius and most of the class roared with laughter as Snape's face began to sprout red blotchy boils. Lily rushed over to Slughorn's desk, retrieved a vial filled with the potion Slughorn had assigned the class and began dabbing his face with the help of the panicked professor, causing the swelling to decrease. Remus frowned and resumed to finalise his potion amidst the commotion, while feeling partially responsible for all that had happened. Once Snape had been ushered out of the class to the hospital wing by Lily, a flustered Professor Slughorn turned to address the class.
"This is not a laughing matter" he began, his voice shaky, "as you have seen the slightest mistake may cause one's potion to backfire with horrendous results, I must say Mr Snape was lucky Ms Evans acted swiftly or those boils could have left permanent scars"
"Pity, it would have improved his general features" mumbled James sarcastically, causing the class to snigger.
"Mr Potter!" snapped the flustered Slughorn, "I will be informing your Head of House about this, for making light of a serious situation, class dismissed!" he concluded, leaving James disgruntled.
The class began hastily filling out their vials with their potions, clearly labelling them with their names, before placing them gingerly on a fuming Professor Slughorn's desk. Slughorn himself got up slowly and with a casual wave of his wand cleared up the mess caused by the splash. He was about to turn back to his desk when something at the bottom caught his eye. He reached into the cauldron and extracted a book.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" he exclaimed, holding up Sirius' now soggy Potions book.
The students who were still cleaning out their cauldrons looked up curiously at the book. The colour drained out of Sirius' face, and James' eyes widened.
"It's probably Sniv- I mean Snape's professor", began James hurriedly, trying to distract Slughorn.
Nevertheless, Professor Slughorn opened the book and frowned, "It seems as though you will not be the only student I talk to Professor McGonagall about, Potter" he said glancing sternly at Sirius.
Sirius and James looked round the class at their peers. The reaction from the other students was mixed, some shook their head disapprovingly, others smiled in awe. Yet Remus Lupin frowned at them and shrugged, he clearly thought they deserved it. Sirius and James looked at each other shiftily before shuffling out of the classroom, bumping into a blonde Ravenclaw on their way out.
Rita descended the dark stairs of the dungeons, her heart pounding in her chest and adrenaline pumping through her veins. She skidded to a halt in front of the Slytherin dormitory and flattened herself against the wall just in time as a group of chattering girls emerged from the wall concealing the Slytherin common room. Rita held her breathe until their voices died down and all she could hear was the pounding of her own heart. Get it together, she chided herself, as she gulped in air and went over the plan once more in her head.
The first part had been executed flawlessly. She had gone to speak to Professor Slughorn on the pretence of interviewing him for the upcoming school paper. Rita, being already a member of the Slug Club, was welcomed dearly into the gushing Professor's office, despite the mishap that had occurred in his class. She waited patiently as he made them both a cup of tea, while anxiously waiting for the right time to release the creature residing in a box clasped firmly in her hands.
Professor Slughorn answered her questions meticulously, and while discussing the advantages of self-stirring cauldrons, she released the Niffler she was holding onto, which immediately began to wreak havoc in the Professors' office. Through all the commotion, Rita managed to slip in and out of Slughorn's private stores, a vial firmly clasped in her hand, by the time the Professor located the Niffler and contained it in a box.
Now she stood in almost complete darkness, waiting for an opportunity, with the cold vial clasped in her sweaty palm, as the sound of a single pair of footsteps grew louder.
"Stupefy" she whispered, as the figure collapsed at her feet.
She dragged the body towards the nearest empty dungeon and knelt beside it, wiping the trickle of swear on her forehead.
"Lumos" she muttered, illuminating her wand.
She passed light over the figure and immediately identified the person as none other than Andromeda Black. Perfect, she whispered.
Remus did not join them for dinner that evening, in fact, the boys hadn't seen him since Potions. They devoured their dinner of steak and kidney pie hungrily, without giving it much thought, he was probably pouring over a book in the library. The Great Hall was buzzing with the news of Sirius Black's prank on Severus Snape a few hours before. How the word had gotten around so quickly was quite remarkable in the boys' eyes, yet for those who had resided in Hogwarts for a number of years now, it was normal. As James looked around the Hall, the Slytherin table caught his eye, most of the students scowled at him and Sirius, their little 'prank' didn't seem as popular with them as with their fellow Gryffindors, who patted Sirius affectionately on the back. In actual fact, Sirius had not intended to prank Snape, he had intended to make a point. Yet in those few seconds he had felt elated, and he knew that James felt the same way, and they soon put away their feelings of shame caused by Remus' frown to discuss the expression on Snape's face as the book splashed into his potion. James and Sirius laughed heartily at Peter's imitation of Snape's reaction until a stern voice came up sharply from behind them…
"Well I hope you find the detention I have given you both this Saturday as entertaining as Mr Snape's facial expression" snapped Professor McGonagall.
"Detention?!" exclaimed Sirius and James in unison.
"Yes Black, Potter, unlike you and your friends, I do not find any degree of amusement in using magic on other students, and nor will I tolerate it from students within my own house" she snapped. "Now I suggest you get a head start on your homework before Astronomy."
"We're waiting for Remus" piped up Peter, timidly.
"I'm afraid Mr Lupin won't be joining you" she snapped, "his aunt is in quite a critical condition, he had to return home urgently" barked their Professor, before turning on her heel and marching out of the Great Hall.
Sirius and James exchanged puzzled looks and turned to Peter, yet the boy was already lost in helping himself to some rhubarb pie. Maybe we're overreacting, thought James, but Remus Lupin seemed to have an awful lot of sick aunts to make monthly visits at home.
"Meda!" called a distant voice, "Meda!"
Andromeda woke with a start as she felt a sting on her right cheek. Her eyes adjusting to the brightness of the wand light directly above her. She was lying on the floor directly in front of the Slytherin dungeon, a group of wide eyed students surrounding her, including her youngest sister Narcissa. She got up sheepishly, just as she heard Bella's snarl.
"Move out of my way!" she yelled, pushing students aside, "What's goin- Andy!" she cried as she caught sight of her sister sitting on the floor rubbing the back of her head, "What in Merlin's name happened to you?"
"I don't know exactly…" she began, confused, but Bella had turned to the other students now.
"Well move along" she said, reproachfully, as the students shrunk back.
"I just blacked out that's all" sighed Andromeda, frustrated at how Bella treated others, "I was hungry".
"Well you should have had dinner" scolded Bella, before pushing her way into the common room.
Andromeda rolled her eyes and followed the rest of the students into the bustling common room.
It was a clear night, only a few wispy clouds were visible passing over the multitudes of stars shining brightly. Marlene lay on her back huddled in a blanket she shared with Lily. The air was still cold, despite the warmer days, yet nothing could bother her at this moment in time, she loved gazing at the stars. It was midnight, and the Gryffindors were up on the tallest tower in Hogwarts, the Astronomy tower. Given the clear night and the topic she intended to tackle, Professor Sinistra instructed them to lie down on their backs and allow their naked eye to examine the stars.
"Let your eyes focus on the stars, I will soon be asking you to point out the brightest ones you see" she instructed softly, moving between the groups of huddled students.
Marlene sighed, "It's beautiful isn't it Lils?"
"Yeah" breathed Lily, in awe of the night's sky.
"Like another world" sighed Mary.
"Well it is I guess" said Alice.
"That's my favourite one" said Marlene, pointing towards one of the brightest stars in the sky.
"Very good Ms McKinnon" smiled Professor Sinistra, looking up too, "that students, is the star Sirius, one of the brightest stars in the night sky, and the one closest to Earth."
Some students looked at Sirius at the mention of his name, but the boy shrugged nonchalantly. It was common knowledge in the wizarding world that the Blacks named their children after stars and constellations.
"Well surely you must have misplaced it Rod" drawled Lucius Malfoy, as his eyes ran over a group of departing 7th year Slytherin girls, hungrily.
"It was lying in my personal drawer Luce" retorted Rodolphus taking a sip of his whisky, irritated by his friend's indifference, "it was there a few hours ago."
"Well it was rather foolish of you to place such a prized possession in a drawer" stated Lucius, a malicious smirk playing on his lips.
It was late, very late, and they were lounging in a private corner in the now empty Slytherin common room, drinking single malt whisky. Rodolphus threw a dark glare at Lucius, before draining the contents of his glass, which refilled itself magically, and set it down roughly on the side table. He knew that Lucius did not think highly of his attempt to court Bella and it was getting on his last nerve. As of late, he had begun to doubt his decision to court her; she was insistently cold with him and he barely ever knew what she got up to when she disappeared for hours on end. Yet he was a man of pride and dignity; he had a reputation to uphold and he wasn't going to let Lucius Malfoy squander his plans.
"Ah Malfoy" smirked Rodolphus, "I would have thought that you, of all people, would appreciate that this is more than just simple attraction," he took a sip of whiskey observing his friend over the rim of his glass, "I have made a fine move." he added with certainty.
"Well you are obviously entitled to your opinion" shrugged Malfoy.
"What opinion are we talking about exactly?" asked Evan Rosier who had dropped himself in an armchair beside them.
Rodolphus threw Lucius a warning glare, but it was too late.
"Bellatrix Black" stated Lucius simply.
"Ah yes" smirked Rosier, "a fine move Rod," he added clapping Rodolphus on the shoulder, causing Lucius to make a disparaging sound.
Rodolphus frowned before adding, "Come now Luce, you're being rather foolish about this" he said, mimicking Lucius' own words, "no good comes out of having a personal vendetta against Bella"
"I don't have a personal vendetta Rod" sighed Lucius, as though he was talking to a child, "I just don't think she's marriage material"
The words stung Rodolphus like venom; Lucius Malfoy had managed to voice the very doubts that had sprung into his mind during the past week. His jaw tightened and his eyes narrowed, surveying the arrogant face of his blonde friend. Two can play this game, thought Rodolphus slyly. Rosier looked at him waiting for a reaction to such an accusation, and was surprised to see a smirk playing on his lips.
"For someone who claims to be in the know regarding social circles you really are dim-witted" he said calmly, "I would tread carefully if I were you, your family's reputation could easily hang by a thread."
"I don't see why it should," replied Lucius slowly. Rodolphus had many connections; he really ought to tread carefully.
"Attempts to dispute Bella's reputation will have its repercussions" stated Rosier, matter-of-factly.
"Yet I still find myself merely intrigued as to why you stand so strong to your opinions on a woman you openly adore Luce, do I smell jealousy?" asked Rodolphus of Lucius, he was mocking him and Lucius wouldn't stand for it.
"Oblivious bastard" muttered Lucius, "Tell me, how exactly do you plan on taming Bellatrix Black?" he added, his voice dripping with malice. He had struck a nerve, and he knew it.
"It doesn't concern you" said Rodolphus through gritted teeth.
"Oh I beg your pardon" chuckled Lucius sarcastically, "I thought you were merely intrigued by what I have to say."
"I am, but whatever you're implying is ludicrous" snapped Rodolphus
"Is it?" asked Lucius, with mock interest, "Tell me where is darling Bella anyway?"
"She has a reputation to uphold-"
"Oh then surely you must know where she is" smiled Lucius, with malice, "Since she has nothing to hide."
"I don't need to know where she is, I trust her" stated Rodolphus, feigning indifference.
"Do you now?" asked Lucius "Look me in the eye and tell me that it doesn't bother you that your girlfriend is out wandering the castle with Merlin knows who doing Merlin knows wh-"
In one swift move Rodolphus had grabbed Lucius by the scruff of his neck and pinned him to the nearest wall, his wand wedged into Lucius' neck. A whimper escaped Lucius' throat, all colour drained out of his face. Rosier tried to pull Rodolphus off but his antics were futile.
"Scared are we?" he said mockingly, his voice a deadly whisper, as Lucius struggled to breathe.
"Rod-" said Lucius, with much effort
"I believe now would be the right time to save your breath" said Rodolphus, his eyes glinting with malice, "lest you wish to lose your tongue"
"Problems boys?" drawled a voice from the shadows.
Bellatrix Black emerged from the shadows of the common room entrance; she had been standing there taking in the scene unfolding before her eyes long enough to know what the row was about, and she was livid. How dare Lucius Malfoy attempt to tarnish her reputation with his foul words? She had a right mind to hex him into oblivion right this instance. Yet for the first time in her life, Bella decided to remain calm, choosing for once to avoid drawing too much attention to herself.
She swiftly looked into the closest mirror, her lipstick was slightly smeared and her hair was dishevelled. She had been patrolling the corridors alone that night, choosing not to be accompanied by Rosier, who was her fellow prefect. Thankfully he accepted as on this seemingly quiet night she had bumped into McLaggen, despite her best efforts to avoid him. Fate had a funny way of turning things around. Despite her best efforts to resist her longing to be with the Gryffindor Quidditch Captain, she had given into his lure. She just hoped that Rodolphus was too caught up in his fury at Lucius' words to take in her appearance.
Rodolphus let go of Lucius slowly, the latter scampering to regain his composure, while the former turned slowly to face the subject of the argument.
"No darling" he said calmly, moving towards her, "Just wondering where you were at a time like this."
Bellatrix threw him a piercing glare; he rarely ever asked questions, he usually knew better.
"If you should know, I was patrolling this evening" she retorted, gazing momentarily at Rosier. It was partially the truth, although she avoided mentioning why she had taken longer than usual.
Lucius and Evan had now made their way to their dormitories, leaving the two alone. Rodolphus' expression had suddenly changed; he reached out to caress her cheek softly, as he moved closer to her. Bellatrix held her breathe and stiffened slightly, as his thumb brushed over her lower lip, his eyes piercing hers.
"Well I'm off to bed" she started, breaking away, "Long day tomorrow" she added smiling simply
"Good night," he said, a hint of disappointment lingering in his voice and all the while trying to push away the inevitable doubts that infiltrated his mind. Curse Lucius Malfoy and his venomous tongue, he thought angrily to himself.
"To the naked eye, Sirius appears to be one star, yet it is in fact a binary star system," continued Professor Sinistra, "it appears bright due to both its intrinsic luminosity and its proximity to our planet…" she continued.
James looked over at Sirius, who had a slight frown on his face. "Didn't know you were luminous mate" said James, at an attempt to joke.
Sirius looked at him out of the corner of his eyes, "How is it that Lupin manages to skip out on Astronomy lessons so often?" he clearly hadn't paid attention to James' remark.
"Sick aunts…" sighed James, "Why? Astronomy isn't that bad…"
"Well besides the fact that I know most of the stars' names by heart, them being my family and all…" he began, causing Peter to snicker, "It's not the point really…" he trailed off.
"I see what you mean…" replied James, thoughtfully.
"He does seem to have an awful lot of sick aunts to visit every few weeks or so" said Sirius.
"Every month, if I'm not mistaken…" frowned James.
"I wish the moon wasn't so bright, it's hurting my eyes" groaned Peter, turning on his side and closing his eyes.
James and Sirius looked at each other briefly and rolled their eyes, before resuming observing the sky. James eyes shifted over towards the moon. It was a full moon tonight, it was surprising how Professor Sinistra had not mentioned this, yet they had mentioned it a few months before. James shook his rambling thoughts out of his head and nudged Peter awake, his snores were becoming a tad bit too loud to go unnoticed.
"Can anyone tell me the second and third brightest stars in the sky?" called out Professor Sinistra.
"Canopus and Alpha Centauri" replied Sirius, automatically, "distant relatives of mine." He added causing the class to laugh.
"Excellent Mr Black," said Professor Sinistra, "for homework I want you all to write an essay on the brightest star in our sky, the actual star" she added, directing this at Sirius.
Andromeda lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling of her dormitory. She had been trying relentlessly to fall asleep yet a nagging thought kept creeping up on her. She couldn't help but feel confused about the fact that she had blacked out earlier; she just couldn't quite place it. Had she fainted? Or could it possibly be that she had been stunned? Earlier she had heard Lucius Malfoy telling another Slytherin, whose name she couldn't remember, that Rodolphus Lestrange had misplaced the letter Bella had given him and was now in frenzy. She didn't quite know why this unsettled her, how could the two situations possibly be related? She absentmindedly rubbed a sore spot on her scalp and stopped suddenly; a small, almost unnoticeable clump of hair was missing, leaving her scalp sore as though the hair had been yanked out of her head. Andromeda frowned and tried to shake the confusing thoughts out of her head as sleep slowly crept up on her. She was falling into a deep sleep, the ceiling of her dormitory becoming blurry. She was once again walking down to the common room, upon reaching the entrance she was about to mutter the password when she thought she saw a figure move in the shadows, she squinted slightly as she muttered the password "Deception", and then it all went black and she was being shook awake again. She tried to roll over, ignoring the urgency in her sister's voice, yet this time it wasn't Narcissa calling her name.
"Andy" the voice urged.
Andromeda's eyes snapped open, took in her sister's dishevelled appearance, and sat up quickly. Something was clearly wrong.
"What's wrong?" she asked urgently
"My belongings have been touched" said Bella, pale as snow and in a combined state of panic and shock.
"What do you mean?" frowned Andromeda; Bellatrix had a habit of making sweeping statements.
"Someone has been looking through my night table" added Bella, urgently trying to make her sister understand.
"So?" sighed Andromeda. Bella could really be dramatic at times; someone was probably looking for a spare quill.
"So?!" repeated Bella her temper rising, "Andromeda, the letters that he sent me…they're gone"
Andromeda's eyes widened in shock, she knew which letters Bella was talking about, after all she was the only one who knew about them.
