Chapter 21

February 1994

"Hey Wood!" Aries yelled noticing Oliver leaving the Defence Against the Dark Arts class room.

When Oliver turned he noticed his angry girlfriend storming towards him, he had no idea what he's done this time and it worried him.

"Yes babe?" he questioned her with a smile hoping to falter her anger.

"Five times a week? Really! Why five times a week!" Aries yelled at him while attempting to hit him over the arm but he just grabbed her wrist.

"I have to go to class, can we talk about this later?" Oliver kissed Aries' cheek before slipping away from her and heading down the corridor.

"Miss Black what are you doing here?" Aries turned around at the sound of Remus' voice.

"Hello Professor Lupin, I was looking for Oliver actually but I should be going."

"Actually I was hoping we could talk," Aries looked at him, they haven't spoken outside of class since she last stormed out of his office for being reminded by another person how much she was like Sirius.

As much as she was annoyed at him once again stating how similar she was to Sirius, she was thankful that he never once called on her during their class on Boggarts. She wondered if he knew what would happen if she went against the Boggart, but she didn't want to stick around and find out.

Aries nodded and followed Remus into his office, wishing more than anything she didn't have a free block right now. "What did you want to talk about?"

"Just about the nicknames you questioned a while ago, I know you knew of Moony because your mother mentioned it when we were at St Mungo's but how did you know of the others?"

"As I said, it was a memory. Why?"

"Harry just mentioned a couple of things, do you happen to know how he found out that I was friends with his parents."

"Sort of, I may have mentioned it but only because he confronted me about how Sirius was his godfather. That I have no idea about."

"Okay, how about the fact that he knew what butter beer tastes like? I know Rosmerta doesn't let students do take away on butter beer." Remus raised an eyebrow at Aries and she shifted in her seat.

She had a feeling Harry had used the map to head down to Hogsmeade, she wasn't there when the twins handed it over but they had told her they handed it over to him.

"What are you getting at Remus?" As soon as Aries heard the nickname Moony at St Mungo's she assumed he had something to do with the map but couldn't voice that to anyone, she didn't know how.

"Oh nothing just curious as to how you made it down to Hogsmeade last weekend." She narrowed her eyes at him, if he had spotted her why hadn't he said anything or given her detention. It wouldn't mean anything new to her, she had detention regularly and with Oliver increasing practises to five times a week she would have to try and stay out of trouble but there was something else to all of this.

She just hoped her saying the next sentence wouldn't backfire on her. "With some help of the Marauders."

She watched as his face stayed calm giving no indication of knowing what she said. "How did you find it?"

"Find what Remus?" she grinned at him and he shook his head with a slight smile.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about Aries, how did you find the map?"

"I didn't, Fred and George stole it from Filch and I was lucky they shared it with me."

"You asked why there was only five names, your mother didn't have one. So she wasn't listed on the map because of it, we couldn't have proof that it was us that made the map but Aries your mother was the one that found the spell to make it work, she was involved in the making of it. I know I upset you by stating how similar you are to Sirius but you are very much like your mother and not just in looks."

Aries wondered if Remus was opening up to her about the map because of what happened or because he wanted to open up.

"You are incredibly smart and gifted when it comes to your classes, something your mother was as well. I see how many detentions you receive along with Fred and George, I've heard about your track record about sneaking out after curfew, pulling pranks on other students and Filch but your grades don't show it like Fred and George's do. Your mother would join us with pranks or sneaking out but her grades were always high, she always did her homework."

"I have a question though?" Aries finally spoke but she didn't know how to respond to what he just told her.

"What is it?"

"How did you do the Forbidden Forest?" Aries couldn't help but notice the demeanour on Remus' face changed at the question and she couldn't work out why.

Aries knew he was a werewolf, she knew there was safety precautions put in place so he didn't hurt anyone during the full moon but what she didn't understand was why he was instantly worried about this question.

"It was wrong and we shouldn't have done it Aries, but it wasn't until seventh year. We were a bit full of ourselves and thought we could handle ourselves against whatever we came up against, I hope you understand we wrong in that thought and we could have been badly injured if not killed. Going into the Forbidden Forest isn't something I recommend Aries," Aries nodded in response.

He may not have said it but she had a feeling that he already knew she had been in the Forest before, at the time she had no idea just how dangerous the Forest could be but now she knew.

"Are you alright?" Aries looked up at Remus, she hadn't realised she had been quiet for as long as she was.

"Do you think he deserves the Dementors Kiss?"

"Does it matter what I think? What do you think?"

Aries was silent, processing what Remus had just asked her. It was all over the Daily Prophet the previous day that Sirius was receiving a Dementors Kiss upon capture, everyone was pointing and whispering behind her back. She didn't have to hear what they saying to know what they were talking about, she figured it was about how she was officially going to be without her father after this.

"I don't know what I think, I honestly don't Remus. The one thing I do know is that he should have the trial he never received, Dromeda said he was just thrown into Azkaban upon capture."

"That he was Aries but you have to understand the time we were in, everything was in shambles. The last of Voldemort's followers were being rounded up, there were eye witnesses to the argument between Peter and Sirius and Dumbledore was told about Sirius being the Secret Keeper."

Aries fell silent again after that and Remus let her, she finished her tea in silence before leaving and heading back to the common room. Something wasn't sitting right with her about all of this and it was annoying her that she couldn't work it out.

"Babe?" Aries stopped at the sound of Oliver's voice and looked over at him, he was looking at her with concern.

"Yeah sorry just lost in thought, how was your day?" Aries questioned him before giving him a small smile.

"It was fine, although I am a little worried you are still mad at me."

"Nope, but why five days a week?"

"Because we need to beat Ravenclaw in hopes of winning the Quidditch Cup, five days a week will give us the chance to become better and beat them." Aries noticed the manic gleam that appears in his eyes whenever the topic of Quidditch gets brought up of lately.

It was in moments like these that she wondered how her and Oliver were going to make it through the next couple of months leading up the final matches. She knew how much Oliver wanted the cup under his name and how playing professionally was his dream. She also knew just how much easier it was to get noticed as a player who was captain of their team and also won their competition but there was also a part of that she wasn't blind to the fact that all of their arguments would always lead back to Quidditch.

"Just don't forget about us little people?" she grinned at him but he shook his head while leaning down to give her a soft kiss.

"I will if you don't ever get your broom back."

"Oh come on it's not my fault Harry got his back and I didn't," she pouted at him hoping to soften him up.

They were present in the common room last night when Harry entered it carrying his Firebolt, Oliver instantly started raving about the broom and how amazing it was, well up until he realised Aries didn't receive hers.

No one had asked McGonagall why Aries' broom wasn't returned as well and at this point in time Aries wasn't sure if she wanted it. She overhead Harry say that McGonagall said that there was no jinxes or charms placed on the broom and it got her thinking. If Sirius sent them both incredibly expensive brooms like this was he really as bad as everyone was making him out to be? It was in that moment that Aries' excitement over the broom vanished, she was unsure if she wanted it back.

"No I believe you getting caught by McGonagall out after curfew is why you aren't getting it back."

"Don't know what you are on about Ol," she grinned at him knowing full well he was right about it.

"Come on," he linked his fingers through and started leading the two of them away.

"Ol, this isn't the way to our common room," Aries spoke when she realised he wasn't leading her back to the common room like she originally thought.

"Well aren't you a smart one, you're right it isn't. We're heading towards McGonagall's office."

"Why?"

"You need your broom back," Aries pulled on his arm to stop him from walking and look at her.

"Oliver don't be stupid, McGonagall isn't just going to hand my broom back because you ask for it. What's the point?"

Oliver looked at his girlfriend for a moment, he knew her well enough to know that he thought she would be chasing McGonagall all over the castle asking the countless questions about her broom just like he had been, but she hadn't.

No Aries had been acting indifferent to the whole broom thing and it was starting to worry him, he didn't know if it was because the broom was from her father or not.

"Aries there is no harm in asking, come on. I promise if she says no I will just let it be."

"I can just use my nimbus, it's perfectly fine Ol."

Oliver looked at Aries, there was something off about her. It was almost like summer all over again, there was no emotion in her voice or showing on her face but her eyes showed everything she was obviously feeling and he didn't know how to handle this.

"How about we go find Fred and George then?" Oliver spoke hoping more than anything they could help with Aries.

Oliver had only seen Aries once she had slipped into whatever she gets stuck in, so he had no idea how to handle her before she completely slipped in and he just hoped Fred and George knew what to do. He loved Quidditch and winning meant everything to him and his chances at playing professionally but he loved Aries more and right now his main concern was making sure she was alright.

They eventually came across Fred and George outside the entrance to the common room having an argument with Sir Cadogan.

"Fred, George?" Oliver called out hoping to pull their attention away from the annoying portrait covering for the Fat Lady.

They both turned around and noticed Aries, they instantly noticed the small signs of her slowly losing control and wondered what had set her off this time.

"Come on Aries,"

"Let's go for a walk?" Aries nodded at twins before pulling away from Oliver and following them down the corridor.

Oliver watched his girlfriend walk and more than anything hope that her best friends could help, he hated being helpless and having no idea on how to help her.

Aries didn't speak the whole time she followed the twins, just listened to their mindless blabber about what happened during their classes or about the new prank they're planning with Filch.

It wasn't until they were in one of their hidden rooms that they finally turned and focused on Aries, "what's going on?"

Aries was silent as she stood there for a moment before she started pacing and muttering to herself, Fred and George had no idea what she was going on about and they couldn't make out her words.

"Aries, slow down and talk to us." Fred spoke as he walked over to her.

"Nothing is making sense, the names, the broom, why would they come to that decision…" the twins watched as Aries started pacing and muttering to herself again, both glad that she wasn't angry and throwing things.

"Aries just stop and breathe."

"Fred's right, one thing at a time."

Aries finally stopped pacing and looked at the twins and they were glad to see something on her face, she may have been confused as hell but it was something.

"I don't get it, the brooms were completely clean."

"So what? Enjoy the fact that you have a Firebolt that you didn't have to pay for," Fred shrugged.

"Exactly and enjoy the fact that we are extremely jealous." They both grinned at her and she shook her head.

"But then why did he send the brooms?"

"Are you even sure he sent them Aries? It's all speculation that he did."

"But the note…" Aries cut Fred off.

"Aries just stop, this is the one thing you won't be able to work out."

"Exactly, listen to us. We love you and care about you. If he did send the broom then he's just trying to buy your love and forgiveness or whatever other crap he's trying but it won't work."

Aries' mouth opened and closed a couple of times and the twins could see the colour and life returning to her as she was thinking about whatever she was. It was little signs that usually gave away that something was boiling beneath the surface with her and most of the time her appearance slightly changed because of her Metamorphmagus ability but if you didn't know what to look for you didn't spot it.

Aries finally nodded at the twins before collapsing on the arm chair, "thank you." She spoke softly before resting her head back and closing her eyes, giving the twins the sign she has calmed down enough and they walked over and joined her on the chair.

When Aries returned to the common room with the twins and she instantly walked over to where Oliver was sitting with his Quidditch play book.

"Thank you," Aries spoke before softly giving him a kiss, pulling his focus.

"For what in particular this time, I know I'm perfect." Oliver grinned at her happy to hear her laugh.

"For not panicking, and as much as I know it killed you to hand me over to the twins, thank you for doing that as well."

"Anytime, I love you. I just want you to be happy," Oliver wrapped an arm around her shoulders before kissing the top of her head. "Now what exactly happened and what was bothering you?"

"I just got lost in my thoughts and I'm confused about the brooms."

"Does it matter if he did or didn't send the broom? You're his daughter, do you really think he could hurt you by charming a broom?" a scowl appeared on Aries face.

"How are the new plays going?" Aries questioned, completely changing the subject away from Sirius. He was the last thing she wanted to talk about right now.

Oliver raised an eyebrow at Aries but knew it wasn't the time to press what was going through her head, instead he grab his book and showed her what he was working on.

A week had past and Oliver still hadn't had the chance to bring up the topic of Sirius and the Firebolts with Aries but at this point in time he was unsure if he wanted too. Aries was in a good mood and he didn't want to be the one to ruin it.

"Miss Black if you could stay behind," McGonagall spoke after dismissing everyone.

It was a couple of days before the Gryffindor vs. Ravenclaw match and the fifth years had just finished their last class of the day, Transfiguration.

Aries placed her stuff in her bag waiting for everyone else to leave before heading up to where McGonagall was standing.

"You wanted to see me?" Aries spoke unsure of why she was requested to stay back, alone for a change. Normally when she was kept back and was about to get in trouble normally Fred and George, sometimes Lee, joined her.

"Yes, I am a little confused. I was under the impression you would enjoy having your Firebolt back?"

Aries shrugged, "I figured you were keeping it for whatever reason. I do recall you catching me out after curfew last week."

"Yes and to begin with that was the case but I assumed you would have been harassing me nonstop until I handed it over considering your next match is this weekend. This is an incredible broom and anyone would be lucky to have one, and yet you seem completely uninterested in this broom. Or does this have to do with who we all assume sent both of them?"

"Am I getting the broom back or not?"

"Professor Lupin has it, you may leave." Aries nodded at McGonagall knowing she would have to talk to Remus about everything before actually receiving the broom from him.

Aries entered the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom to notice Remus had kept back a couple of the Slytherin seventh years, "I will meet you in my office Miss Black," Remus spoke once noticing her.

When she entered his office she instantly noticed her broom sitting on the side table, she couldn't help but walk over and pick it up taking in everything that was beautiful about the broom.

"I was wondering when you were coming to collect your broom," Remus' voice startled Aries and she placed her broom back down. "It's yours, take it."

"Why do I feel like there is a much needed conversation before I can actually leave with it though?"

Aries didn't like that Remus was silent as he walked closer to her.

"Aries you need to understand that Sirius loved you unconditionally, he may have been the traitor we had amongst us but you were born long before we were involved in the war. There was a point after you were born that he almost didn't return to Hogwarts to complete his seventh year, he couldn't bear to leave you behind where he couldn't protect you. Everything he did, risking his life, becoming an Auror was all so you could have the worry free life that we hadn't, he tried 10 times harder than what James did before Harry was born. It doesn't matter if a person was on our side of the war or the other, they don't just stop loving their children."

"But Jaime?"

"I know Aries, but maybe something happened between James and Sirius. There was a period of time before Halloween that Sirius had stopped visiting James and Lily, something could have happened. Aries no one knows what happened between James and Sirius, or even to have Sirius turn like he did but don't ever think he stopped loving you."

Aries lowered her gaze back to her broom just as her eyes welled up, everything was so much easier for her before Sirius escaped. She could hate him in peace and not have to question everything, him breaking out confused her, she didn't know why he did now of all time and why did he send uncharmed brooms? Expensive and amazing quality brooms at that?

"Can I take this and go?"

"Of course and good luck for Saturday," Aries stood there for a moment in silence staring at her broom before taking it and leaving, heading back to her common room.

A/N: Thank you to everyone who has been reading and has set alerts for my story, it means a lot to me. Please review!