I had this finished faster than I thought. It's longer than my normal chapters but it also has a lot of time skips in it.
I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER but I do own the Blackwood family and Reeve Beckett.
ENJOY!!!!!
It Started With a Bet
9
Arena couldn't be happier. Her and Sirius were snuggled up on the common room couch, everyone else was at Hogsmeade for the weekend. It had been a month since their get together and every seemed simply perfect. But Lily was pressuring her to tell Sirius the truth, and she had seen the looks Remus had been giving her. Sighing she sat up from her position against her boyfriends chest and kissed him lightly on the lips.
"Mm," Sirius said as he leaned into the kiss, "What's that for?"
"I have to tell you something," she whispered sadly. Sirius's ears perked up and he adopted a serious look.
"What is it?" he asked, not sure he was ready to hear whatever she had to say.
"I'm…um….I'm…," she sighed, she couldn't say it. She thought she was ready to tell him but she just couldn't form the stupid words.
"Come on, you can tell me anything Rena," he told her, using the nickname he knew only he could get away with using.
She took a deep solid breath, "I'm en-engaged."
"Wh-what," Sirius looked at her and could see tears pooling in her eyes.
"When I was born my parents arranged a marriage with the Beckett family." Sirius had heard about the Beckett's . They were a pure-blooded American family that immigrated to Europe about a hundred years ago. They weren't widely known and when talked about it wasn't flattering, but they were wealthy and high in the Wizarding world.
"When?" he asked.
"The wedding is suppose to take place a month after school ends. I'm to be Mrs. Reeve Beckett in less than a year," a tear slipped out of her eye and slid down her pale cheek. Sirius wrapped her in his arms and tucked her head under his cheek.
"I'm not going to let that happen," he told her. Bet or no bet he couldn't help but admit that he had fallen for her.
"And how are you going to stop it," she asked him, her voice mumbled by his chest.
"I don't know yet, but I will stop it," he said more to himself than to her. After that they remained silent, Sirius holding Arena close to his chest and Arena holding on as if he were about to leave her.
After Arena had told Sirius about her betrothal they seemed to grow distant. Sirius remembered the bet he was supposed to be doing and Arena remembered that there was no way she could avoid her future marriage. Peter had tried countless times to expose Sirius's relationship with Arena but somehow the two were always able to dodge the attempts.
James and Lily grew closer as they protected both their friends. James almost told Lily about the bet several times. Every time he saw her caring for her friend he felt a twinge of guilt deep in his heart. He knew it was wrong and he could see his best friend falling for the girl the bet was placed on. Remus grew a little distant from the group as the weeks passed by. He knew that everything was going to end terribly and he didn't want to be around when that happened. He had warned them and that's all that he could do.
Soon winter break was upon them and Arena was dreading going home as she usually was.
"Just come to the Potters, that's where I go every break," Sirius murmured to his girlfriend as they said goodbye inside the train and away from prying eyes.
"You know I can," she told him and gave him one more kiss goodbye.
"I'll write," Sirius told her as she was walking out the door.
"You better."
"Get over here now you good for nothing girl!" Arena heard her mothers commanding voice before she actually say her.
"Coming mother," she called right before she stood before her. Ebony Blackwood was an elegant woman who stood tall and proud amidst a crowd. Her black hair was curled back into an elegant twist and she wore a green robe that clung to her body.
"Hurry up, we have an appointment to get that horrid scar removed," her mother told her. Arena then knew why she was invited back this year. If they were finally removing the scar it would mean that she was meeting her future husband, Reeve Beckett. The Blackwoods then left through the parted crowd and made their way back to their home.
The next day Arena sat in front of her bedroom mirror. Arena couldn't help but raising her pale hand and running it down her flawless skin. Her scar was gone, it looked as if nothing had ever been there. She knew all along that the scar could be removed but her family kept there for her to use as a reminder. She is forever theirs and she could never escape. Arena tore her eyes away from the mirror when she heard a tapping at her window. A smile graced her lips when she saw Sirius's owl hovering outside her bedroom. Quietly she got up and took the letter, letting the bird rest on her bed post for a little while.
Dear Rena,
This may sound a little girly but, I miss you. Sadly its only been one day and I have no clue how I'm going to make it through the next two weeks. I might sit through the Black's annual Christmas Eve ball just to catch a small glimpse.
Oh, I have to go! James is downstairs barking at me to hurry up and come play Quidditch.
Love,
Sirius Black
Arena smiled and stroked the letter with affection. She went over to her desk and started her reply.
Dear Sirius,
You were right, you did sound a little girly, but I miss you too. I wish you would come to the ball, for I want to see you too, but I am sadly meeting my betrothed this holiday. Which reminds me, my face is now scar free. My family thought that Beckett would like me better if I didn't have a scar across have me face.
Come to the ball and you and I can sneak off for a little while. I don't think I could wait two weeks either.
Your's truly,
Arena Blackwood
She drew a small heart next to her name and slipped it into the envelope. After she gave the letter to the bird she left her room and went down to breakfast.
"What would Mistress Arena like today?" Arena looked down to see her house elf, Sparky.
"Just eggs today," she told the little creature who just nodded and disappeared with a pop. Arena knew she couldn't get anything more than eggs for her family would punish her.
"Arena," a voice called. Arena looked up to see her father, before she was sorted into Gryffindor her and him were quiet close.
"Good morning, father," Arena greeted. Edric Blackwood was a tall stern looking who wouldn't hesitant to hit his children when they misbehaved. His black hair was graying making his hair look a little skunk-like and his blue eyes were chilled over.
"Your mother is taking you to get your dress today," he told her, "Also, Reeve Beckett will be arriving tonight for dinner, do try to look presentable." Arena nodded and her father left without a word of goodbye.
Later that day Arena and her mother were standing in a small witch boutique. As Arena stood there she knew why her mother was doing this. Ever since she had been sorted into Gryffindor she wasn't allowed at the Ball. However, now her parents are dressing her up to be a noble woman so Reeve wouldn't cancel the marriage contract. Arena sighed as the boutique's owner stepped out from the back.
"Welcome Mrs. Blackwood, Miss. Blackwood," the woman said, "What are you looking for today?"
"A gown for my daughter," Ebony told the woman.
"Any color choice?"
"Black or green please."
"Are you sure? A dark blue color would look just lovely with her eyes."
"Black of green," Ebony told her in a commanding voice causing the woman to squeak slightly and stumble back.
"Of course madam," the woman said and turned around too head back into the back of the store. Moments later she reappeared holding a light green dress. Ebony ordered her daughter to try it on and Arena did as she told. When she came out it was decided that the dress didn't look right on her.
Almost two hours later they had found a dress Ebony had liked. Arena supposed she liked it too. The dress was strapless and clung to the upper half of her body. It had a pick-up skirt and silver beading along the neckline. The dress cost more than one hundred galleons.
"Come along Arena," her mother said before walking out the door and down the street.
"Thank you," Arena told the woman quietly before exiting as well.
Dear Rena,
I'll be coming the ball, though I can't promise I might hurt Beckett. I am happy to hear that your scar is gone and I cannot wait to see you Christmas Eve. We can sneak off into the Black Manor's garden, maybe snog a bit.
Until Christmas,
Sirius Black
Arena smiled warmly at the letter as she read it for the third time. It was the night of the ball and she was waiting for the hairstylist to fix her hair. She sighed inwardly at her family's shallowness. She heard a knock on the door and quickly slipped the letter under her pillow.
"Come in," she said and the door open for her to see a short red headed woman walk through.
"Miss. Blackwood, it's time for me to do your hair." Arena nodded. Immediately the woman set to work. Curling and spraying and brushing. An hour later and she was down. Arena looked into the mirror to see a display of elegant curls framing her face. She gasped, she never thought that she could look this lovely. The woman said nothing as the exited the room and Arena continued to admire herself in the mirror.
Sirius stood in the entrance of the Black family home. James stood next to him, eyeing his friend to see how her was handling being here.
"Come on," Sirius said and James nodded. The two entered the ball room to find pure-bloods littering the room. Sirius's eyes scanned the room and saw that Arena's family had yet to arrive.
"Your mother is glaring at you," James muttered to his best friend.
"I don't really care," Sirius told him and started to glare right back at his mother. After what seemed like eternity of glaring James nudged Sirius and pointed towards the big oak doors.
"The Blackwood's are arriving," he told him and Sirius turned to wait to see Arena. First to come through was Edric and Ebony Blackwood. Then came Desmond and last was Arena, on the arm of another guy. Truth be told Sirius had almost missed her. The girl who he saw was a new Arena, a completely transformed Arena. This one was elegantly dressed in a beautiful dress that complimented her dark curls and her pale complexion.
"Wow," James whispered next to him but all he could do was nod. Sirius tore his eyes away from his beautiful girlfriend to the guy who had his hand on the small of her back. He was tall and had a look on his face like he was better than everyone there. He kept his hand on Arena at all times, as if saying she was his. His blood red hair fell to his shoulders and his eyes were black like coal. Sirius thought he look positively evil, though he could see girls around the room looking at the guy as if he were a god.
"Reeve Beckett."
Arena looked at the guy next to her with a small frown. When they met a few nights ago she was almost screamed at the sight of him. Yes, he was handsome, but he was also frightening. Reeve acted like a perfect pure-blooded wizard. Greeting her parents and shaking hands with her brother. He gazed at her as if she was his possession.
When she walked into the room her eyes instantly found Sirius, he was standing off to the side with James and glaring at his mother. Before she could lock eyes with him she was interrupted by her grandmother, Avena.
"Such an improvement," she said in a mighty-than-thou voice. Avena Blackwood was once Avena Bliss, the daughter of a falling noble. Her gray hair was once a shimming blonde and her cold eyes were once a warm green. After Avena had married into the Blackwood family she had change for bad to worse.
"Thank you, grandmother," Arena smiled a small smile. "This is my fiancé, Reeve Beckett." Avena turned her gaze onto the boy and smiled.
"You are quiet handsome," she told him.
"Thank you madam, it is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance," Reeve greeted. Arena sighed, listening to noble pure-bloods was like watching a caterpillar change into a butterfly. As her grandmother and fiance spoke Arena caught Sirius's eyes and smiled. Sirius tilted his head slightly to a side door and Arena faintly nodded her head.
"If you may excuse me, I have to use the powder room," Arena said before forcing herself to kiss Reeve on the cheek. She than made her way through the room only to be stopped by Javen.
"Hello cousin, you look exceptionally beautiful tonight," Javen grinned. "I'm sure Reeve imaging you as his wife this very moment." Arena shivered.
"I'm sure. If you would excuse me," Arena said but Javen kept her from moving.
"Not so fast, cousin. I have something to tell you."
"What would I possible want you to tell me?"
"It's about you and your horrid relationship with that blood-traitor, Black." Arena's eyes widened and she looked at Javen in fear.
"Do not worry dear cousin, I am not about to spill you disgusting relationship with our family."
"Why?"
"Because I want to out of this family and the only way for that to happen is if you marry Beckett." Arena glared at him.
"Anyway, I thought you might want to know that you little relationship is because of a bet," Javen said with a slimy grin.
"What?" disbelief filled her voice.
"You heard me," Javen said, "Sirius Black made a bet with Potter to turn you into an attractive and dateable witch." Javen then left, a smirk firmly placed on his face. Arena stood there for a moment, disbelief and hurt were evident on her face. Than she looked around and quietly slipped out of the room.
"Rena," Sirius whispered and came forward to hug and kiss her. Unfortunately for him she pushed him away.
"Rena?" he asked when she finally got a good look at her face.
"Sirius," she looked up into his eyes, "I want you to tell me the truth," she whispered.
"The truth?"
"I want you to tell me if this was all a bet," she told him, "Was everything between us just a fucking bet to you!" her voice raised from a whisper to a teary shout.
"Arena…," Sirius didn't know what to say. Tears fell faster from her eyes when she realized that it was true.
"Leave," she whispered without looking for him, "Just go." She than left the small room they were in and went back to her fiancé.
"Are you okay?" he asked her when he saw her streak filled face.
"I'm fine, darling," she forced herself to whisper as she latched onto his arm and had him lead her to wherever.
XOXOXOX
Hope you enjoyed it. The next chapter is half way done so I should be able to get it down before Friday, I'm procrastinating my homework right now to post this. I'll be posting a picture of Arena's dress on my profile!
PREVIEW::::
"It was a bet Lily," Arena whispered, "Sirius bet James that he could make me pretty and dateable."
"But he loves her, he does. It killed him to see her heartbroken over something he did."
"Don't try apologizing Lupin, get out," Mandy commanded
"Any more information you blithering idiot?"
"Good, by next year my sister should be out of the house and living with her new family."
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