Chapter 9 – Playtime's Over

James looked between Sirius and I with an odd expression on his face. I couldn't quite tell for sure what it was but it almost looked as though he was annoyed with us somehow. Why? I wasn't sure.

"What were you two doing?" James questioned raising an eyebrow. He looked suspicious.

Next to me, I saw Sirius grin and just as he was about to reply, I quickly jumped in and cut him off before he said something that would embarrass us …or me at least.

"Nothing", I replied as calmly as I could. "We weren't doing anything. Sirius here-" I gestured politely towards him on my left, "was kind enough to take me to see Dumbledore earlier today as soon as I found out I was ….err- well, as soon as I realized I was a ….um …"

"A witch?" James finished for me.

I must have looked shocked because James gave me a funny look and decided to elaborate.

"Yes, I know. I just saw Dumbledore on my way over. I can't say I'm surprised though."

"What do you mean?" I asked curiously.

"Come on, do you really think we're that gullible? Lily knew it from the start. You can't fool us; we're smarter than you think." James gave me a patronizing look.

Great. We're back to this again? He was all friendly with me just yesterday and now he's treating me like an enemy. Why the sudden change of heart?

"James, I really don't know where you're going with this but I'm honestly not playing any games here. Everything's just been so bizarre lately and I'm just trying to cope with it the best I can." I said sincerely.

James snorted. "Yeah, right."

"Excuse me? I shot back.

"I don't trust you." James said scathingly.

What was this all about? What is up with him? I just don't get it. Is he like jealous or something? Is that what this is about? Is he afraid I'm going to take his 'best mate' away from him?

There were a million different questions popping in my head right at that moment, but I had to dismiss them all to focus on the task at hand.

If James was truly worried about losing his best mate over our relationship then he just had to suck it up and get over it. He was being a hypocrite, whether he realized that or not. Sirius always stood by James and supported him when he went pining after Lily. Why? Because that's what best mates do. The least James could do was return the favor. Honestly, what did he expect Sirius to do, stay single forever and remain available for every beck and call of his like a 'good' little dog? He couldn't possibly wish that. Not if he was truly Sirius's best friend.

I felt the heat rise in my cheeks as I grew increasingly angry towards James but I knew that I had to keep my cool. An argument between James and I right now wouldn't do either of us any good. Especially not for Sirius. I'm sure he wouldn't feel comfortable with that prospect at all. But I couldn't help but wonder though, that if the time ever came between picking sides, who would he choose?

As much as I hated to admit it, I knew the answer. He'd choose James.

I sighed, resigned. There was no point in fighting so I just gave up.

"Look, I understand where your coming from okay? I do, I really do. But, I'm sorry to burst your bubble because I'm not some crazed death eater lunatic out to get you or your friends." I stated defensively looking determinately towards Sirius as I said those last words. I knew that Sirius believed me but I could only hope that James would believe me too, but I had a feeling that he wouldn't.

"That's rubbish. Do you honestly expect me to believe that?" James replied snidely, arching an eyebrow and giving me a menacing look.

I let out a frustrated huff. I seriously didn't know how long I could stand this for. If James kept going at me like this, then I was seriously going to throttle him. I felt the fingers on my right hand twitch and itching to reach his neck, but I had to restrain myself from doing so. As much as I would like to, I don't think Sirius would appreciate me killing his best mate. And besides, without James, there would be no 'Harry Potter.' No, we can't have that now can we?

"I don't care if you don't believe that, because whether or not you believe me, doesn't change the fact that it's the truth." I said icily, shooting daggers at him.

James was about to reply but before he could do so, Sirius quickly cut him off.

"Come on guys, can we not do this right now?" Sirius asked imploringly, looking desperately between James and I.

"Fine." I said shortly. James merely nodded his head in agreement and I suppose that was good enough for Sirius because he smiled and visibly relaxed.

"Good." Said Sirius smiling, looking from James back to me. I allowed the corners of my mouth to twitch upwards in a small smile. Sirius's eyes twinkled as a response and he winked back at me.

I rolled my eyes and smirked.

James looked disgusted but didn't say anything.

Smart boy.

"So, what is it prongs? Why were you looking for me?" Sirius asked, looking concerned.

James looked tense, eyeing me warily. "There was an attack in the muggle world."

"What?" Sirius choked out, looking absolutely flabbergasted.

"Yes Padfoot, It's true. It happened just an hour ago." James responded gravely.

"What happened?" Sirius asked looking angry.

"Death Eaters burned down a muggle elementary school, killing everyone in it. Those poor kids didn't even have a chance. There were muggles that tried to stop the fire but seeing as it was Fiendfyre, it was pointless and they all died in vain. I think the muggles call them fire slayers." James looked up in thought.

"Firemen," I cut in.

James looked back at me startled.

"They're called Firemen."

James scrunched up his nose in disgust. "I didn't ask you." He said scathingly.

"Whatever." I retorted trying to look indifferent. His remark stung but I wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of him knowing that he got to me. I'd be damned if I'd allowed that to happen.

Sirius noticed the tense atmosphere between James and I, and he didn't look too happy about it, but stayed quiet nonetheless. I suppose he was worried that if he brought up the matter, it would only make the situation worse. Knowing Sirius, he probably already made a mental note to talk to us separately about it.

"Anyways, as I was saying …before I was rudely interrupted-," James shot me a dirty look.

"The muggles were unable to put the fire out and as soon as the Ministry heard word of it, they quickly sent out a team of Aurors and a magical clean-up squad to deal with the mess. Lily reckons that Avery and Mulciber were behind it, seeing as they've always had a knack for the Dark Arts. Lily never forgot what they did to her friend back at Hogwarts. I reckon that Snape had something to do with it too but I didn't dare bring that up to Lily though. I don't know what she ever saw in him." James seethed, tensing his jaw and clenching his fists.

"Of course you wouldn't see anything, seeing as your so bloody naïve and arrogant. You only see the outside and you judge people without even getting to know them first. Lily isn't like that though, is she? No, she's smarter than that and she's got more class." I retorted icily with my lips terse.

James looked shocked for a moment before a look of complete outrage overtook his handsome features. (Yes …he was good-looking, I couldn't deny that.)

"Nobody asked you for your opinion. How would you know anyway?" He retorted mockingly.

That was it. I've had it with him!

"What's your problem? You've been at me ever Since Sirius and I got back. Are you like …jealous or something? Are you afraid I'm going to take your 'best friend' away from you?"

James stuttered for a moment as heat rose to his face. He looked at a loss for words.

Ha! I knew it! So, that was it then? He was truly afraid that he would lose his close friendship with Sirius over our relationship.

Wow. He's a right git.

"Your such a hypocrite." I breathed disbelievingly, looking absolutely gob smacked.

"How dare you!" James screeched. "You don't know anything!"

"Oh yes, I do!" I yelled back.

"You can't stand to see Sirius have a close relationship with someone other than yourself, can you?"

James looked about ready to explode but he didn't say anything. He couldn't because everything I was saying was true. He couldn't deny it.

"You're such a bloody hypocrite. Here you stand in front of him, a happily married man, a marriage of which I presume Sirius fully supported and yet you can't allow him the same courtesy or happiness you've obtained." I laughed mockingly.

"…and you call him you're best mate?" I shook my head in complete bewilderment.

"Shut it! Just shut up!" James cried in outrage.

"Y-You don't know anything! Who are you anyways? You're nobody! You're just some homeless girl we picked up in an alleyway cause we felt sorry for you." He said scathingly, visibly seething through every pore of his body.

I felt hot tears spring to my eyes but I quickly blinked them back because I had to stay strong. I refused to allow his hurtful words sting me.

"Whatever. I don't have to listen to this." I muttered angrily and stormed towards the bathroom and slammed the door behind me.

"Oye! Don't break down my mates flat! If it wasn't for him, you'd be out on the streets!" James yelled after me.

I couldn't contain myself anymore. I looked at my disheveled appearance in the bathroom mirror and just lost it. I completely broke down and allowed the tears to flow freely with out restraint.

I distantly heard Sirius scolding James for lashing out at me. I felt slightly appeased at this, but only for a moment. I couldn't quite quench the dull ache I felt in my heart. Why do I always have to be so bloody sensitive? I hate being so weak! I wish I didn't feel anything. I wish I could've just stood my ground and remained indifferent, but I couldn't. I was never that strong. Whenever confrontations arose and people lashed out at me, I would always get hurt, and then I'd run and hide somewhere to save face.

I hated doing that, but I've done it so many times that it's almost become routine now. Every time I see myself getting hurt or on the losing end of an argument, it's almost as though some sort of bodily mechanism turns on and compels me to run away. I always loathed myself afterwards, I hated being so cowardly. It's not who I wanted to be. I wanted to be strong.

As the seconds ticked by, I continued to hear Sirius and James voices berate each other over our dispute.

"Prongs …I love her." I heard Sirius say, sounding tired and resolute.

"I can't believe this ….bloody hell Padfoot; we don't even know anything about her! How do we even know if we can really trust her?"

"Dumbledore does. And I trust Dumbledore's judgment." Sirius said with finality in his voice as though to end the conversation.

"I can't accept this." James said stubbornly.

"It's not your choice."

"Are you confounded, or …possessed or something? She's ruining your life Padfoot!" James urged imploringly.

"Sorry James, but you can't change my mind on this one." Sirius responded in a dead tone.

"Fine then. I see there's no point in reasoning with you, but heed my warning; she will ruin your life. I'm just trying to protect you mate. There's something about her ...I just …I just don't trust her."

Sirius let out a deep breath and I heard him clap a hand on James shoulder.

"I appreciate you trying to look out for me, but James mate, I can take care of myself." Sirius reasoned.

"Well, if you honestly feel that way…"

"I do." Sirius finished for him.

"Alright then. I suppose I should go now. Lily's waiting for me and I don't want her to get worried." James explained.

"Don't worry about it." Sirius brushed off.

"Right then. I'll see you later."

"Bye."

I waited a few more seconds until I heard the front door close. As the door closed and the locks bolted themselves, I wondered if I should remain standing in the bathroom or if I should go back out to comfort Sirius. It must have been highly uncomfortable for him to watch his best mate and girlfriend go at each other like we did. It must of torn him to pieces, but I refused to feel guilty about it because I didn't do anything wrong. I was merely standing up for myself. It was James who should be feeling ashamed of himself. I thought he had more sense than that but apparently not.

I heard distant footsteps approaching and I felt my breath hitch.

Sirius stopped just outside the door and listened in.

I kept quiet.

Sirius gently knocked on the door. "Serena?"

I said nothing.

I heard Sirius sigh from outside the door.

I didn't say anything. What could I say?

"Fine. If your going to be like that, then I'll just leave you to it then." And with that last remark, Sirius walked off.

I stood there, confused for a minute, before deciding to act. I slowly opened the door and crept out.

"Sirius?" I called out.

No answer.

Great. He was giving me the same silent treatment I gave him. I suppose I deserved this.

"Sirius?" I called out again.

Still no answer. Huh? That was strange.

"Sirius, I'm sorry okay? I sometimes just get really defensive. I really didn't mean any of it. I honestly didn't mean to offend you …I hope you're not mad?" My voice echoed down the hall as I made my way around his flat in search for him. I opened the bedroom door only to find it empty. I looked around the living room – empty. I turned the corner and peeked into the kitchen only to find the same result – empty.

Where did he go?

He couldn't have just …left?

I made a second round across the flat just to be sure, but I still came up with the same result. It was empty and Sirius was gone.

I stood there slightly dumbstruck.

Wow. I honestly didn't know what to think. I mean, I can't believe he just …left. Just like that. Especially after …

No, I refused to think about that right now. I'm sure he was just feeling a little overwhelmed with everything that had just transpired. I'm sure he didn't regret anything. I'm sure he wasn't having doubts …

Oh god, but I wasn't sure. What if what James said, really got to him? What if…

No…no…no. This wasn't happening! He said he loved me. He said he couldn't live with out me….

I thought of all the sweet things he whispered in my ear as we made love. He wouldn't just say those things….

But what if it was just lust? What if it was just an immense physical attraction that compelled him towards me? He is a teenage boy …well soon to be twenty, if I remember correctly; he'd be turning twenty this November. But, surely he meant those things.

I sat down despairingly on his black leather sofa in the living room and thought of all the possibilities. I noticed that my cheeks were wet and when I reached to touch them I felt hot teardrops on my fingers. Strange. I didn't even realize I was crying. I suppose I was in such a state of panic that I didn't notice the fresh cascade of tears flowing down my cheeks.

I continued to sit there. For how long? I wasn't sure.

When I came back to life, I realized that it had gotten colder and the sun had gone down. It was now pitch black, and there I was ….sitting all alone, in the dark. My stomach grumbled and I realized I haven't had anything to eat for a while, so I got up and headed towards the kitchen.

I turned on the kitchen light and opened the refrigerator door. I took out some ham and cheese and proceeded to make a sandwich. It wasn't much but seeing as there wasn't much of a choice and Sirius wouldn't be coming back any time soon, it would just have to do. It would quench the hunger for now and that was all that mattered.

I placed my sandwich on a plate and sat back down on the leather sofa in the living room, which was still shadowed in darkness. I was too lazy to turn on the light and quite frankly I didn't care. In fact I liked the darkness. It had a nice, soothing effect on me and I found it rather peaceful and calming. I continued to slowly eat away at my sandwich in silence and as I was finishing up I heard the front door creak open.

It startled me and I dropped the remains of my sandwich on my plate. I carefully and quietly placed my plate on the coffee table and stood up. I heard the front door close and the locks bolted shut. I remained quiet as I stood there contemplating what to do. I wasn't sure if I should speak or move, so I just remained quiet and waited for him to come to me.

As his footsteps grew nearer, I felt myself growing more and more anxious. What was going to happen? What was he going to say?

However, all those thoughts left my mind as I saw his face emerge from the shadows. A face similar to, but definitely not Sirius's.

"Regulus?" I breathed.

A/N: Hope you guys liked this chapter!