A/N- Praise y'all! Here's another chappie for you lot! This will probably be the last chapter in a while. I don't think I'll be able to post again this month. So enjoy this extra long chapter!
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
"Marly, how're you feeling?"
"Before you get any closer, Remus, is that a cream puff in your hand?" asked Marlene, sitting up straight. Remus grinned and handed over the particular confectionary to his friend. "You really are a darling. I'd absolutely date you if you didn't have this strict I'm-not-anyone's-type attitude."
Remus rolled his eyes and sat down on the chair next to her bed. Dorcas was sitting on the opposite side, frantically scribbling something that Lily had asked her to finish for the Prefects' meeting. The redhead was, herself, in the middle of running an errand for Slughorn. The old fool was rather good at taking advantage of his best students, Remus surmised.
"How's the Dany situation progressing?" Marlene asked, brushing crumbs off her covers.
"James is handling it infinitely better than Sirius was," Remus mused, yawning loudly. "Dany still refuses to talk to Sirius. Which could be a problem in the future."
"Seeing as how the game is in three days? Yes, I can imagine how you'd conclude that," Marlene grinned. "But she'll be okay soon. She just needs time to cool off. And Sirius should absolutely apologize to her as soon as she decides to stop ignoring him."
"That's what I told him. But if I know Sirius, and I'm pretty sure I do, he'll get impatient soon. And that's when he takes stupid decisions."
"Why don't you talk to Dany, Remus?" asked Dorcas, finally finished with her work. "You're the most level headed of us all."
"I would," sighed Remus. "But I have a dueling session with Snape in an hour. And Dany is training with James till 7. I can only talk to her after dinner. If I'm still in one piece, that is."
"Ah, I had forgotten about that. Rotten luck on that one, Remus," Marlene conceded, looking disturbed by the prospect of having anything to do with Snape.
"Mr. Lupin, Ms. Meadows," Madam Pomfrey's disapproving voice pierced through the air. "It's good to see that you both are still here at the Hospital Wing." Dorcas shot Remus an amused look. "You can inform Professor McGonagall that Ms. McKinnon will be fit to resume classes from Monday. And," she raised her eyebrows at them. "I suggest you relay this news to her right now and exit my Hospital Wing."
"Of course, Madam Pomfrey!" Remus got up hastily.
"See ya, Marly!" Dorcas waved, running to catch up with Remus' long legs.
"I think I can train with the team from tomorrow," Dany called out, throwing the Quaffle back to James. "What'd you think?"
"I would've suggested it myself but I wasn't sure if you were okay with Sirius yet." James paused deliberately, gauging her reaction. "Are you okay with him?"
Dany shrugged her shoulders, carefully landing on the ground. "I won't slap him the next time he speaks to me, if that's what you mean."
"Excellent!" grinned James. "I always took that as a positive sign with Lily."
"Yes, but you're in love with Lily. And vice versa," said Dany, dryly.
"Details," waved off James. "Anyway, I need to set up a session with Regulus soon. Or it might seem like I actually don't want to work with him."
"Whatever it is, it can't be worse than Remus," grimaced Dany. "I'll see you later, James."
Dany put away the spare broom she had been practising on, and trudged back to the castle. There were exactly two days before the match against Slytherin. Her stomach churned uncomfortably at the thought. Why had agreed to this again? Whatever the case, she couldn't back out now. In fact, she didn't really want to back out either. She wanted to have a go at playing a proper match. To see whether she could fulfill one of the few dreams she had held onto since entering Hogwarts at the age of eleven.
Lily, Dorcas, Mary, Sirius, and Peter were already seated by the time she entered the Great Hall. Dorcas made room for her between herself and Lily, so that she was sitting opposite Mary. Peter grunted a hello before hacking off a large chunk of chicken. He really cared about nothing else when there was food in front of him. Sirius, on the other hand, was scrutinising her intensely. She felt a soft kick on her leg and looked at the grey-eyed offender.
Sorry, he mouthed to her, raising his eyebrows apologetically. Dany clenched her jaw and went back to finishing the stew in front of her. The awkwardly stilted conversation around her stopped as Remus sat down, looking decidedly ragged, no doubt the result of his dueling session with Snape.
As everyone turned their attention to the sandy haired boy, Dany kicked Sirius' leg under the table. He looked up in surprise, not exactly sure what to expect. The sheer anxiety on his handsome features amused Dany to no end, and she finally offered him a tiny smile.
All the uncertainty melted away from his features as Sirius gave her a brilliant, heart-stopping smile. Dany had to physically restrain herself from gasping in appreciation. That certainly would not do. Otherwise the bloke would be under the ridiculous, and horrifyingly accurate, impression that his smile could fix anything.
Unbeknownst to them, a certain red head had been observing their exchange with great interest, tucking away certain facts into her brain, to be used with great effect in the future.
Saturday was the day of the match. Dany had spent the last couple of days avoiding sneak attacks from various members of Slytherin, barely managing to finish McGonagall's assignment, nearly falling falling into a cauldron of Polyjuice after dozing off during Potions, and dodging a series of uncomfortable questions from Marlene.
"So he just happened to be there?" she had asked, referring to Sirius' presence during a minor skirmish with a sixth year Slytherin. "When you finished Arithmancy and he got done with Care of Magical Creatures? Which are at two opposite ends of the castle?"
"Care of Magical Creatures isn't even in the castle," supplied Lily, helpfully.
"Right. Thank you so much, Lils," beamed Marlene.
"This is your last Hospital visit, Marly. I'll see you when you get out." Dany gave her a dirty look and walked off.
"Good luck for tomorrow, Dany!" Marlene called out after her. "Don't get distracted!"
Honestly, thought Dany as she put on her Keeper's gloves, there would be no possibility of her getting distracted by anyone - grey eyed or otherwise. Her hands would be full dealing with the vicious Chasers on the opposition team. Thomas Montague, in particular, looked like he wanted nothing better than to see her fall off her broom and get hit by a Bludger mid-fall.
"Alright everyone!" James had begun his pre-match pep talk. And after hearing it for the first time, Dany realised that he was born to be a leader. Even then, his positivity couldn't quell the rumbling in her stomach as she gulped nervously. She felt someone's hand grasp hers and lace their fingers together.
"It'll be fine," assured Sirius, smiling at her.
"Hmm," Dany sighed, closing her eyes and leaning on him slightly. She was allowed this much. These were special circumstances after all.
"Captains, shake hands." Madam Hooch eyed them carefully as James and Lucinda Talkalot shook hands.
The whistle was blown and the Snitch was released. Dany was sure that there was some commentary going on and that her name had been mentioned, but her nerves seemed to have momentarily rendered her incapable of hearing anything except for the thumping in her ears.
"Macnair has the Quaffle! Potter hot on his heels! But Montague gets the Bludger right in time! All that stands between Macnair and the goal is new Keeper Wilson! He's headed straight for her and- Oh! He feigns left and passes to Carrow who SCORES! Slytherin have scored the first goal of the match!"
Dany willed herself to remain calm, Carrow has said some nasty things to her after scoring the goal. She was trying to focus on the game and not get rattled by his racist slurs.
Fortunately, James was in top form. Soon, he had scored three goals and assisted in a fourth. Sirius and the Bertram Aubrey were also doing a good job of keeping the Slytherin Chasers occupied. Dany had managed to save a couple of goals and the knot in her stomach was gradually easing away.
"The score is 100-60 in favor of Gryffindor! If you want to see an exquisite example of teamwork, then look no further! This Gryffindor team has been trying its utmost to protect their very green Keeper! But it looks like they need not have worried because Wilson just blocked another attempt by Carrow! Potter has the Quaffle again-"
Dany was starting to feel tired. The match had been going on for just under forty minutes and it appeared that she was the only one needing severe rehydration. Which was not surprising seeing as all the other players in the air had played plenty of matches before.
"Looks like Black has spotted the Snitch! He's racing towards the Gryffindor hoops with Longbottom hot on his trail! Uh oh! It looks like Wilson hasn't realised what's going on! The two Seekers are headed right towards her and- oh! She swerved out of the way just in time! Looks like she scared off the Snitch as well."
Regulus Black have her a filthy look before flying back to position. Frank nodded once to make sure she was okay before he too moved back to his spot.
"Potter scores another one! The score is now 130-100 in favor of Gryffindor and- It looks like Longbottom has spotted the Snitch this time! Black seems to have picks up on it as well! They're both racing towards it and OH! Well timed Bludger by Sirius Black temporarily throws his brother Regulus off course. Longbottom is still chasing after the Snitch and HE'S CAUGHT IT! LONGBOTTOM HAS CAUGHT THE SNITCH! GRYFFINDOR WIN!"
Gryffindor's victory over Slytherin was celebrated by a customary post-match party in the common room. Peter had snuck into Hogsmeade in Animagus form, and smuggled a large stash of Butterbeer and Firewhiskey from Rosmerta. The House Elves were fully aware of the fact that a victory involving 'Masters Potter and Black' warranted huge amounts of food.
"This happens each year, but I still can't help wonder how you lot manage to stir up such chaos," Lily yelled over the music.
"Talent for trouble, remember?" James grinned and kissed her chastely. "Moony, what in Merlin's name are you doing?"
"Yes, Remus," added Lily, uncertainly. "Even I think studying at a victory party is going too far."
Remus looked slightly guilty but held up the book he had been devouring in a slightly less chaotic corner of the common room.
"Beyond Bias: Rare Forms of Magic Found in Muggleborns," read out Lily, glancing at Remus in confusion. "Where did you find it?"
"In the library. Someone had charmed it to look like A Guide to Advanced Transfiguration. I've just been reading about a very rare ability in some Muggleborns. They can gauge the intensity of magical ability in others- particularly those they have a blood connection with." Remus looked like Christmas had come early, and although Lily agreed that the book seemed interesting, she shut it purposefully and told Peter to put it away in the boys' dorm.
"Here's a butterbeer," she offered, holding a red cup. "Knowledge can wait till tomorrow." Remus chuckled in defeat and took the drink from her.
"Has anyone seen Dany?" he asked.
"She was surrounded by many overnight fans, last I saw her," shrugged James. "She must be here somewhere." He pulled Lily in towards him and soon, Remus walked away, not overly comfortable watching his friends snogging intensely.
James had been right about Dany, however. She was finding it very difficult to not dissolve into a puddle of anxiety at all the attention being directed at her. Apparently, not losing your first match as a last minute substitute female Keeper, warranted many drunken hellos and borderline harassment from people she had never seen before.
"Let's get out of here," Sirius whispered, suddenly by her side. "You look like you're about to pass out."
Dany followed him out gratefully. She was aware that Lily, Dorcas and the others were all inside, but she was far too overwhelmed to care. These were moments when she felt extremely relieved to have friends like Sirius and James. It's not because they were boys- it's because their personalities were such. Remus and Peter, although equally enjoyable company, did not have the charisma that the other two did.
"That was a close one," chuckled Sirius. "You looked so terribly pale back there. I was contemplating having you chug a few pints of Firewhiskey. But then I remembered that you aren't so fond of the concept."
A small smile made its way to her face as she listened to Sirius ramble on. It was clear that he was taking the brunt of the conversation on himself so that she felt better. It was so oddly thoughtful that Dany couldn't stop herself anymore.
"Thank you, Sirius," she said, softly, leaning in and placing a lingering kiss on his cheek.
He looked like a deer caught in the headlights and stared at her blankly for a few seconds. Just as she was pulling away, he cupped her face with his hands and brought her lips to meet his.
Dany froze for the tiniest of moments before wrapping her arms around his neck. She returned his kiss with fervor, enjoying the feel of his lips on hers. Even though this wasn't the first time they were in such a situation, she felt like she could finally savor the feeling of Sirius. His hands moved into her hair, pressing himself more and more close to her. Her heart was racing as she struggled to keep her knees steady. Sirius steered them into a corner, his mouth leaving a trail of butterfly kisses down her neck. Dany moaned softly, pulling him back up to meet her in another searing kiss.
Gradually, they slowed down, Dany breathing heavily and wondering exactly how ravished she looked. The look in Sirius' eyes indicated that he would gladly continue if she obliged, and Dany was pretty sure she was on the brink of doing just that. However, the cold feeling of reality washed over her soon enough, as she secured her hair into a bun. With one last look at him, she went back through the portrait hole, hoping that no one had seen them.
Monday dawned cold and dreary. Dany had more or less slept through Sunday, the exhilaration of the match and the events afterward had left her far more exhausted than she had expected. She had woken up around 7 in the evening, her stomach growling unceremoniously. By the time she had dragged herself down to the Great Hall, the boys (including Sirius) had already left. Although slightly relieved that she wouldn't have to face him immediately, there was a part of her which felt a little uneasy. This feeling was further increased when she didn't see him at breakfast the next morning. Remus informed them that Sirius had slept in and would probably make it in the nick of time for Charms. Even then, this did not comfort Dany.
It was just before lunch when Dany found herself wandering around the Transfiguration courtyard. She was enjoying a rare break as Professor Vector had let them off early. Sirius had been there during Charms and had seemed alright on the surface. Dany couldn't bring herself to say anything, both out of fear and a strange sense of rejection. So she was distinctly surprised when she heard his voice a little way away, along with someone she hadn't really expected.
"Mike?" she asked, looking between her brother and Sirius accusingly. "What're you doing here? Don't you have class?"
As was customary in the recent years, Mike did not reply, choosing to continue his conversation with Sirius, while the latter looked slightly uncomfortable. Dany felt the white hot rage pulsing through her once again. She didn't usually react like this when it came to her brother, adopting a perpetually resigned state when he misbehaved. It was different this time, though.
"Mike!" she hissed, standing between him and Sirius so that he could not ignore her. "Do not ignore me when I speak to you. I've tolerated your behavior long enough! What the hell are you doing here?"
"Dany," interjected Sirius, catching the fleeting glimpse of fear in Mike's eyes. "I'm supposed to train him, remember? We were discussing the best times for us to meet for duelling practice."
"Stay out of this." Her eyes were flashing with anger.
"Have to say your choice in birds is lacking, mate," commented Mike, nonchalantly. "If you could ever be interested in my sister. I'll see you later."
The younger boy walked off, leaving Sirius and Dany in the middle of the courtyard and an unresolved situation.
"Hey, what's going on?" asked Sirius, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't touch me!" she snapped, whirling around with accusatory eyes.
"Dany, what on earth is the matter?! And why were you shouting at Mike like that?"
"Since when did you start defending him?"
"Wha- That's not the point! I can't understand why you're so upset!" he asked, very perturbed.
"I clearly have no reason to be upset! It's not like you snogged me, avoided me like the plague, told me you were relieved when I agreed that it meant nothing, feigned interest in me so that I wouldn't find out about my friends dating, saved my life while revealing that you're an unregistered Animagus, snogged me again, and are now acting like nothing happened!"
Sirius stood stock still for a moment, as she ended her outburst. The concern in his eyes transformed into anger as he took a step closer to her.
"'Acting as if nothing happened?' What the hell are you talking about?" he growled.
"Really? Then tell me. What does this mean? To you?" she flashed, her hand gripping her wand.
"You seriously don't understand?" he gritted out. "After all that's happened?"
"How could I? Since I don't know when you're playing a part and when you're being sincere." Her words cut through him like a knife. The boiling anger inside him turned into cold steel, his eyes completely devoid of expression.
"If that's the case, then I don't think you should bother."
Dany felt a pang of hurt but covered it up immediately. "Fine. Don't bother either."
With those words, they separated in two different directions, the weight of what had been left unsaid hanging heavy in the air.
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