Chapter 9

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.

The words seemed to reach me from a great distance. Who was he getting married to. Why now? I listened to the sound of the other servants complaining about preparing for another feast so soon. Elizabeth's eyes were on me and I could sense that she wanted to talk to me, but if we talked right now I was going to break down. I needed to sort through this on my own first. The feast would be in five nights.

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As I rushed around doing chores in preparation for the feast over the next few days I worried and I wondered. Who was James going to marry and why now? I thought that he had enjoyed his time with me, but I might be mistaken. Why would he? He was probably tired of playing games with me. But I needed to try one more time to change his mind, to convince him that I was the one for him, not his mystery bride.

What was I thinking, I couldn't marry James! The Potter's couldn't protect me. My father was my guardian. He could always take me back. I was going to have to say good bye…forever. I would disappear and never return as his mystery girl. What was I going to do; keep going to the balls until my dresses fell apart? Even I wasn't that pathetic.

Elizabeth had been watching me carefully and followed me out into the garden when I went to get some water. I ran to the well and lowered the bucket before hearing steps behind me. I whipped around and saw Sirius at the gate from the palace path and Elizabeth walking towards me from the servant's quarters.

Their eyes met and she quickened her pace until she was standing next to me. Sirius marched up and took her arm, pulling her away to the corner of the garden that was the most secluded and private.

I sighed and held the full bucket carefully as I trudged back to the kitchen. The air was brisk and my hands were starting to feel the cold. I should be faster outside so I wouldn't get frostbite. When I opened the door to the kitchen, a gust of warm air greeted me. I walked in slowly, handing the bucket to Anna, one of the main cooks and started prepping for dinner. At that moment Elizabeth ran into the room and froze as her eyes raked over each face until she found mine. She practically bounced over to me and whispered something in my ears.

"What? I couldn't hear you."

"Smirihm jask gasped e…"

"Speak louder."

"Sirius just asked me to marry him!" Over half the kitchen turned around at her outburst and watched her pull on my arm; pulling me out of the kitchen and away from prying eyes. I put on an apologetic face as we rushed passed Remus and in return received a small, tired smile. Elizabeth sat me down on the chair in her room and started pacing.

"So Sirius asked you to marry him," I started, surprised at the look of glee that was in her eyes. She nodded.

"What did you say?" I was getting excited for her despite the inner turmoil that was raging inside me.

"At first I refused, but he was very persuasive and he managed to get me to tell him why not. I explained about the problem; him being a noble and me being just a lowly servant, but then he said that he had already talked to the king about it and that they supported his choice and wouldn't think ill of either of us. We're going to be married soon," She sat down with a ridiculous smile on her face. I didn't want to ruin her moment t of happiness, so I kept my mouth shut. I wasn't going to be the one to shoot her down from cloud nine.

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My heart grew heavier each day as the sun rose on the day of the ball. I was happy for Elizabeth and every time I saw her with Sirius it made my heart clench even tighter than before. She deserved to have her happy ending. My choice was exactly that, my own. I couldn't complain, but at least she would be happy.

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Well I hope you liked it. I wrote it a while ago but hadn't had the chance to post it until now.

Review! I really want to know what you think of it. If I don't get enough feedback, I'll take it like you don't want me to continue, so I won't. That won't happen if you review!!!!!

Over and Out.