Taking Part's What Counts. But You Are Not Around. Never Understand My Goals For You. Looking Back, Seems That Everyone In My Life...Will Be Waiting For Me. I Will Be Waiting For You. Until The Evidence Conveys Another Side. Never Understand My Hopes For You. Sleeveless And Miniature. Monster Overture. Never Be Complete Unless You Know. All The Way Down...So I'll Try Not To Breathe As I Hold My Head Still. The Light Bends Off My Face Every Tear That I Cry. And I'll Try Not To Think What The Happy Things Were, I'll Just Think Of The Things That Just Made Me Shit Scared. And I'll Just Close My Eyes When I See Everyone That You're Leaving Behind For The Dawn Of The Sun. And I'll Try Not To Feel, Oh I'll Try Not To Feel. If I Try Not To Feel All The Way Down-"All The Way Down", Biffy Clyro.

Sirius woke, sweating. Persephone was screaming.

"Shit," he breathed, jumping out of bed, adrenaline running through his veins. She wasn't stopping for breath. He dashed into the bedroom opposite his own, the door slamming open. Persephone was alone, lying on her back. Her eyes were open and she was screaming at nothing. "Sephie!" He yelled, shaking her. Her eyes were staring straight through him. "Sephie! Wake up!" She stopped. Her eyes closed and so did her mouth, in a small smile. Like she was happy...Suddenly she gasped as if she'd just beein drowning, her chest rose dramatically and her eyes flickered open. She was gasping for air, her eyes terrified, her hands gripping at Sirius. "Sephie! Sephie!" He was trying to calm her down, trying to hold her shoulders, he gripped her face between his hands. "Sephie, it's me, Sephie, calm down. It's okay...It's okay..."

"Sirius..." she breathed, her gasping calming down. "Sirius...What happened? What was it?"

"A dream, Seph..." he brushed her hair out of her face. "It was a dream. Don't worry. Noone's here except me and you." Sephie suddenly sat up and grabbed Sirius in a hug. He put his arms around her. "Seph, what was it? Seph, please calm down."

"Please don't leave me..." she mumbled into his shoulder. He sighed filled his hand with her hair. "Okay...okay..". They stayed like this for a few seconds in silence. Sephie wasn't crying. Sirius had never really seen her cry. She was always too busy being a panda. At least she wasn't upset this time.. She pulled back after a second, pushing her hair behind her ears, looking into her lap. "Sorry I got you up," she mumbled. Sirius smiled sympathetically. "Don't worry about it. I wasn't sleeping that well anyway." Sephie looked up and gave him the same look she did after she turned back from a panda. He didn't know what came over him. But he did it so fast he nearly headbutted her. The only thing he thought of was Well, this is different... The most he'd got from kissing girls was a few butterflies if it was someone particularly good-looking. Usually he didn't even get that. But this was...crazy. He had butterflies, but not just in his stomach. He had butterflies in his veins. He felt as light as a feather. Which is probably why he didn't realise how hard he leaned her back onto the bed.

Sirius was asleep, but he could still feel Sephie drifting away from him. He instinctively grabbed her round the stomach. He had to keep her safe. She turned into him, her face nuzzling the duvet between them like a cat would. Sirius blinked his eyes open, stared up at the ceiling for a second. He looked down to the girl beside him. The one he'd known for over three years. Maybe this was why it wasn't weird. Every other morning-after, Sirius would wake up, praying the girl had already left so he wouldn't have to talk to her. If she was there and still asleep, he could get showered and dressed and leave a note saying he had to be somewhere and leave. If she was awake and looking at him, he would panic. But he didn't really want Sephie to go anywhere.

How strange.

He looked at the clock on the wall. It was 9.46am. He sighed. As much as he wanted to lay here, he really needed to get up. He had the small matter of being best man at his best friend's wedding. Sephie moved beside him. Her eyes flickered open and she yawned. "What time is it?" She asked, seeing Sirius's eyes on the clock. "9.47am," he replied, smiling. "James said he'd be here at ten. We'd better get up." He threw his legs over the side of the bed as Sephie rolled over, the duvet covering his modesty. And thank heavens for it...

"Hey Seph!" James cried happily as he burst through the bedroom door. "Where's-oh..." His eyes caught Sirius and widened. He nodded his head and smirked. "Alright..."

"JAMES!" Sephie yelled, throwing a pencil at him. James ducked and slammed the door behind him as he exited. "Fantastic."

Sirius pulled on his boxers and exited the room, finding James in the hall with a massive grin on his face. "Well, well-"

"Shut up." Sirius pointed his finger at James' face as he walked past to the bathroom. James huffed. It wasn't his wedding day or anything...

"Nothing, now shut up," Sirius hissed as James questioned him for the tenth time that morning on what was going on with him and Sephie. Peter hadn't yet found out- James had been forbidden to tell after Remus' reaction. I hope you're not seeing this as another one of your ridiculous conquests...he'd said. Whilst Sirius would normally laugh this kind of comment off, he was deeply insulted by it. "Let's check ourselves out."

Sirius moved infront of the mirror, James and Remus and Peter joining him. All were wearing matching black suits with red waistcoats and red ties. James nodded. "We look good." Remus looked at the clock on the wall-11.45am.

"Time to go," he said, taking a deep breath. He and Peter left the mirror, turning the TV off and making sure they had everything. Sirius patted James' back. "Ready, mate?"

James nodded. "Yeah..."

Sephie had left at half ten, reminding the boys to leave at 11.45 to get to the Church at twelve, ready for Lily to enter at half past. The car was waiting- a white rolls royce. The driver was a small, skinny man with a black tophat and suit, and a handle bar moustache. He bowed and opened the door for the four men, who clambered in with ease as the car expanded. "Last moments of freedom, mate," Sirius said, grinning. James looked from the window to his friend. "Can't wait."

The guests were sitting. James' mother and father had gotten on famously with Lily's mother, but Petunia had simply sat down and ignored everyone. James got into his position, Sirius at his side, smiling. "As if you actually pulled her," he laughed. James grinned and looked down. The music started. James looked dead ahead. Sirius blinked a few times and smiled, before looking down courteously, bu his eyes turned up to catch Sephie's. Her long hair was falling down her chest, decorated with a silver aliceband adorned with silver roses, her green square-necked dress making her look like a princess. A tiny silver key hung around her neck. She smiled as she moved to the side, and Remus and Peter's breath caught in their chest. James had to turn...

Lily's scarlet hair was perfectly falling round her shoulders, her dress was pure white and she had the biggest smile on her face James' had ever seen. She looked amazing.

The wedding begun.

Sirius and Sephie both caught eyes throughout the service, but everyone's eyes were on the Potters.

As the wedding couple left to have photos taken, Sirius jumped into the car that was taking them all to the Manor for the wedding dinner, taking a seat next to Sephie. It was his first chance to talk to her since she'd left for Lily's. "Hey," she said, smiling. Sirius smiled back, moving closer to her as more people got in the car. "You look beautiful," he whispered. He'd said this before to girls, but never meant it. "Well, it took long enough for me to get this way," she replied. Sirius shook his head. "You always do.". The sincerity in his voice made Sephie's heart rise. The car started up. They arrived at the manor within ten minutes, and quickly took their places in the greeting party before the guests filtered through and took their places. When the final guest had sat, (James' elderly Uncle Alfie), the wedding party filed into their seats at the long table adorned with red roses and green and red balloons.

"Ladies and gentlemen," came a deep, disembodied voice. "Please welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Potter!"

The room stood and applauded as the happy couple entered. James, as arrogant ever, bowed, Lily rolling her eyes beside him. Sirius laughed and clapped him on the back as they embraced. "Well done, mate."

James smiled and sat down. Sirius caught sight of Andromeda, Ted beside her and Nymphadora on her knee in a dark green dress. She waved at Sirius, nodding her head in Sephie's direction and smiling. He didn't doubt that James had told her what he had found that morning.

Sephie kept to the plan. She was still supposed to be in hiding, and left after the dinner to get back to Sirius' safely. The Potter's wedding was one of the most high profile weddings in the wizarding world, and it was safer for her to be at home.

"Hey," Sirius followed her out of the dining hall and into the large, round reception room. Sephie stopped and turned. "Sirius," she said blankly, realising who it was as he caught up with her. "I'm sorry I have to miss your speech, I'd really like to see Lily's face." She smiled, but she could tell Sirius was worried. "You'll be fine."

"It's not me I'm worried about," he replied, glaring into her eyes. She sighed. "I'll be fine. It only takes ten minutes to fly to Mulberry Street from here. Trust me," she put her hands on his chest and straightened his tie. "Now go- you'll miss James' speech." And with that she flew off.

Sirius watched her fly out the open window- I thought we'd locked all the windows...He shrugged, before heading back to the hall. He didn't notice Snape cowering in the shadows.

"Well," James said, standing up beside Sirius. "Who would've thought I'd finally get Lily Evans eh?"

Several people laughed and clapped. "Just proves, if you annoy someone for seven years, they'll finally agree to marry you." Lily shook her head beside him.

"Anyway. This girl beside me is the reason I didn't end up like my good friend Sirius here," Sirius also shook his head. "I probably could've got a good few girls if it weren't for this one."

"Pfft," Lily said beside him jokingly.

"Every year, I'm sure Lily would hope I'd gone off her a bit. Would leave her alone. But it's her own fault- every year she got more and more beautiful. I know my first kiss wasn't Lily. But I'd like to think it was my first real one. Never before had I felt butterflies fly through my whole body. I'd only ever got those butterflies from Lily."

Sirius stopped taking his drink. The words rung in his ears.

"And that's how I knew I had to marry her. I mean, I'd wanted to since I was twelve. But when I kissed her, that was it. I was already married in my mind. Nothing was going to mess this up. And I keep that thought in my mind everyday. Nothing is going to mess this up. To Lily."

Sirius was still. Never before had I felt butterflies fly through my whole body...He hardly noticed James sit down beside him. He was staring at the bubbles in his glass as he turned it in his hand. Applause filled the room as James leaned in to kiss Lily.

"And now," Remus stood. "Some words from the best man?"

Sirius wasn't listening. Remus kicked him into life. "Oh..I."

He stood, bringing his glass with him. He left his piece of paper crumpled on the table. "Now," He looked around at the room. He saw Andromeda. She nodded. "I know you probably all are expecting to hear some stupid anecdotes about how James tried to woo fair Lily, and, believe me, there are plenty to tell..." James put his head in his hands, but remained smiling. "But today has made me realise lots of things. Not just because of what James just said about me...but because of what he said about Lily."

James frowned. Remus smirked. Remus was happy Sirius had finally learnt his lesson. "Now, I've kissed a fair share of girls. And I know that sometimes you don't even get anything from it at all. Just a feeling of dread. You think 'Oh god, now i've got to get rid of her...'. Sometimes you get butterflies- a few, tiny ones. And only because you know you've scored with that pretty blonde with the big boobs everyone is after, and can't wait to tell the lads. Those are regular kisses. But I can take James' words of wisdom-" he raised his glass to signal James. "When I feel butterflies in my whole body, I'll know my old days are over. For good. And I'll go for it."

Andromeda was nearly in tears at his words. He raised his glass. "To James. And To The Real Deal."

He took a sip from his glass and put it on the table, but didn't sit. He leant over to James-"Mate, I'm sorry, I have to-"

"I know," James said, smiling. "Go."

Sirius smiled back. Remus patted Sirius on the back. "My boy's grown up," he said.

"I'll be back tonight, I won't be long. I promise." Sirius said to James. "Congrats."

He dashed out of the room, into the reception room where Sephie had transformed, and out through the doors. With a turn he was gone. But he had no idea what he'd been missing...

Just as Sirius was in the dining hall, making his sudden realisation, Persephone Scamander had changed out of her bridesmaid's dress and into a black vest and shorts and started to brush her hair.

Snape, however, was with his fellow Death Eaters. Voldemort had demanded to know why he was late. Saving Lily Potter, by not telling of the wedding, he divulged what Persephone had said to Sirius. She was in Mulberry Street.

Persephone heard the door open, and close. She heard footsteps come up the hall. But she knew they were not Sirius' footsteps. She stopped dead. "Expecto Patronum," she whispered, and an owl floated out of the window to alert Sirius. She looked at the door. Transformed into a rat. Her heart pounded in her chest as she hid under the bed. The door swung open. She saw the shoes she knew weren't Sirius'. She knew who they belonged to. Her rat nose could smell him. She felt sick.

Remus stood. "Some words from the best man?"

Voldemort saw the green bridesmaids' dress on the floor. Saw the hairbrush tossed aside. He grinned.

"I know you're in here, Persephone..."

Sirius' eyes met Andromeda's.

Persephone kept still. He wouldn't be able to see her in this dark shadow. His wand appeared under the bed in his long fingers.

The blue light flashed.

Persephone knew she couldn't hide.

She stood facing him.

"Persephone Scamander," Voldemort said in his raspy voice, a sneer on his face. "You should watch what you say..."

"I won't join you," She said bluntly, her heart pounding in her throat. Her limbs were rigid and he hadn't cursed her. Yet.

"We'll see...Crucio!"

"But today has made me realise lots of things..." Sirius began.

Persephone bent double, backwards, as the light hit her.

"...because of what he said about Lily." Sirius felt the feeling rise in his chest. Thought of Persephone the night before.

Voldemort twitched his hand, and Persephone's arm bent backwards at the elbow, but didn't snap. She moved like some demented puppet. As the hand twitched again, her body fell to the floor and twisted, her fingers tightened, her knees bent, her head thrashed.

Sirius thought of the night before the whole way through his speech. He thought of the kisses. He thought of his hands on Persephone's back.

"Imperio," Voldemort sneered. The torture stopped. Persephone breathed, but was moving towards Voldemort without control. She tried to resist, but the other part of her mind was too strong. She did not want to kneel before him. But she did.

"Now. Will you join me?" Voldemort asked, twisting his head to the side to look at Persephone. He knew he could make her say yes.

"When I feel butterflies in my whole body, I'll know my old days are over. For good. And I'll go for it." Sirius said, knowing he had to get back to Sephie. He had to see her face...

Persephone's own brain, that part not controlled by Voldemort, filled with Sirius' face. Tears did not come. She thought of Sirius' lips on hers the night before. The sincerity of his words today. She moved her head up to look her attacker dead in the eye.

Voldemort had not told her to do this. His eyes widened. He looked into her face. Maybe she was going to comply by herself?

But her eyes were glazed, day dreamy. Her mouth was in a content smile. She thought of Sirius and showed him.

Voldemort shook. He saw it in her eyes. It was stronger than him. He couldn't bear it.

A crack echoed around the street as Sirius appeard in his own back alley. It was getting dark. He turned to face the back gate- his face dropped. He saw the owl. The signal. "Sephie..." he breathed, dread in his throat. "No..."

He ran as fast as he could to the front of his house, pulled and pushed the door as hard as he could.

"Aveda Kedavra."

Persephone dropped like a fly. Voldemort heard a crack. Heard the tugging at the door.

Sirius looked at the window. Saw the flash of green. "PERSEPHONE! PERSEPHONE!" Sirius yelled, banging on the door.

Voldemort grinned. He'd leave young Sirius a present...

He picked up the limp body before him and lie it out on the bed.

Sirius grabbed his wand. Blew the door off it's hinges. Ran up the stairs two at a time.

Voldemort heard the footsteps banging up the stairs. Opened the window. Flew out into the night.

Sirius reached the top of the staircase. He pushed the door to Sephie's room open. There she lie. Her body was draped over the corner of the bed. Her hair hung down the foot of it. His heart caught in his chest. Her hair wasn't in her face. Her expression was highlighted by the moonlight starting to drift in through the open window.

Her eyes were day dreamy.

Her mouth was in a content smile.

She stared at Sirius.

Sirius Black had never been in love before. And he was never in love again.