Chapter 27: Whipped.


Sam and Sirius were sitting in the train compartment with Peter snoring loudly next to them. Lily, James, and Remus were in the prefects meeting and they were alone for the most part.

Sirius was tickling Sam because she refused to say that she loved him back. She was sprawled out on his lap, laughing hysterically, when the others came in. Sirius and Sam didn't notice them until James coughed just before Sirius leaned in to kiss her.

"Having fun you two?" James asked with a tight smile.

Sirius jumped up quickly and caused Sam to fall on the floor. She glared at Sirius before smiling at James. "How was the meeting?"

James eyed her closely. "It was alright. A bit boring but okay."

Lily sat down next to James and rested her head on his shoulder. James kissed her forehead and she sighed. "So, what have you two been up to?"

Sirius shifted uncomfortably. "Not much. Just waiting for you lot to turn up."

Lily rolled her eyes. "I'm sure."

Remus stood up and walked to the door. "I promised to meet Hannah for a bit. I'll see you all later."

"What time is it?" asked Sam.

Remus checked his watch. "It's almost one."

Sam stood up. "Well, I'll be going to. I'll see you all later."

Sirius looked up at her in surprise. "Where are you going?"

Lily and James hid their laughter behind their hands. "I promised Michael that I would spend some time with him."

Sirius groaned and rolled his eyes. "Why would you promise something stupid like that? Why don't you stay here with me-us? I meant us!"

Lily and James were shaking with soundless laughter while Sam rolled her eyes. "Michael is my friend and I care about him. I'll be back later."

Sirius scowled while Sam and Remus left the compartment. "Would you two shut the hell up!" Sirius yelled at James and Lily, who were now openly laughing at him.

"Could you be anymore obvious?" laughed Lily.

"What the bloody hell do you mean by that?" growled Sirius.

James started to hiccup. "I think what Lily means is, jealous much?"

Sirius scowled at him and was silently pouting until Sam finally returned. He looked up at her anxiously when she entered. She sat down next to him and smiled. "How's the ponce doing?" He asked.

Sam rolled her eyes. "Michael is just fine. I ran into Chris on the way back. I almost had forgotten how funny he was."

Sirius sneered. "Oh, I'm sure he is a laugh riot."

She laughed at him. "Would you stop! They are nice people, and they are my friends!"

"Friends that you've kissed! Do you really need anymore than me? I mean us!"

James was turning red while laughing. "Padfoot, would you shut the hell up! She's just friends with them! You are sounding like a jealous boyfriend!"

Sam laughed while Sirius scowled in James' direction. "I do not! I sound like a concerned friend!"

Lily was shaking with laughter. "Sure you don't."


pqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpq
They were on their way to the common room after the sorting ceremony and dinner. Sirius watched Sam closely as she talked animatedly with Chris and their friends. He scowled when Chris leaned in and whispered something in her ear that caused her to laugh out loud. He looked away from them when he felt a pat on his back. "I told you that you should have asked her out before it was too late." James said.

Sirius sighed. "Are you kidding me? She isn't interested in that prat!"

James looked unsure but nodded anyway. "Whatever you say, mate."

They entered the common room and Sirius stared as Sam gave Chris a hug goodnight. He strolled over to her and stopped her from leaving. "Sammy? Can we talk for a moment?"

Sam smiled at him and nodded. She followed him to the window seat and sat down next to him. Sirius saw James give him a thumbs up before going to bed. He looked at her and sighed when she smiled encouragingly at him. She patted his knee. "Is everything alright?"

Sirius wouldn't look at her. "I don't know. Maybe you could tell me?"

Sam laughed. "I honestly have no idea what you are talking about."

"Is there anything going on between you and Chris?" He blurted out.

She laughed again. "Of course not! I'm with you and only you. Where is this coming from?"

Sirius sighed. "I don't know. It was just the way that he was acting with you. I didn't like it. And the fact that he is the reason why you and Moony broke up. I never thought you were the type of person to cheat but you did."

Sam gently touched his cheek and smiled. "That was a mistake. We've always been that way with each other. There's nothing going on between us anymore. Sirius, you have nothing to worry about. I love you, not Chris."

Sirius slightly smiled. He looked around and saw that they were alone. "I love you too, Sam." He kissed her. "I'm sorry I acted like a prat."

Sam laughed. "No offense but I'm used to you acting that way."

Sirius laughed. He brought her closer and kissed her again. "You swear that there is nothing going on between the two of you?"

Sam rolled her eyes and punched him in the arm. "I'm positive! Now, shut up and kiss me goodnight!"

Sirius smiled. "Whatever you say!"


pqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpq
It was a beautiful Saturday morning and the boys and girls were hanging outside by the lake. Sam was excited over the package her mother sent. She received her camera that she used to be inseparable with. It broke last year when Chris accidentally sat on it and her father finally repaired it. "I can't believe it's finally fixed! Do you remember how I used to take a picture of everything?"

Remus blushed and laughed. "Yes, I do."

The others gave him a look while Sam laughed and hugged Remus. "It was nothing dirty! Geez, get your mind out of the gutter!" She exclaimed. She shared a smile with Remus and he sighed happily.

They spent the day using Sam's camera. They each took turns taking pictures of each other. Sam noticed James and Lily slow dancing while the leaves fell down around them. They turned to her and smiled when they heard the camera click. They continued to dance as Sam continued to take their photograph. Sirius stood next to her and smiled. "That will be the best one."

She smiled at him. "I think so."

"Come on! Let's have a group photo!" Lily exclaimed.

Sam nodded and ordered them all together. "All right, get ready!"

"Sam, don't be thick! Set the camera on the tripod and get in the picture!" exclaimed Sirius.

Sam set the camera up and stood next to Remus and Sirius. Sam saw Peter standing off to the side and she let out a sigh. She may not have liked or trusted him but she didn't want him to feel excluded. "Peter, what are you doing! Get in the picture before the timer goes off! You can stand near me!"

Peter looked delighted and quickly ran over to them. Despite her better judgment, Sam moved him next to her and put an arm around his shoulders. He smiled anxiously at her and she gave him a smile in return. "Now, smile nice and big, Wormtail!" Peter laughed just as the flash and timer went off.

"Sammy, let's take a picture together!" yelled James. Sam ran over to her brother and hugged him tightly. Sam ruffled his hair and he laughed. Lily held the camera and smiled at them. They might not always get along but they knew they would always love and be there for each other. James gave Sam a piggyback ride while Sirius and Remus tried to trip him. Lily handed Peter the camera and went to chase them. Peter snapped pictures left and right but stopped when the others yelled at him. "Wormtail, get your ass over here!" yelled James. Peter set Sam's camera on the tripod and joined them.

Sirius hugged Sam and whispered in her ear. "I love you, Sammy."

Sam smiled and blushed. She whispered in his ear. "I love you too." He held her closely and kissed her temple just as James took their picture.

They looked at him and smiled. "James, come on! Take one with us!" yelled Sirius. James dragged Lily and Remus with him and Peter snapped away.


pqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpq
Later that night, when everyone was asleep, Sam and Sirius sat down in the common room, resting on each other. Sirius leaned down and kissed her. He loved it when they were alone and could just be together and not have to pretend that they weren't together. He knew everyone would be fine with them being together but he still wasn't ready for everyone to know.

Sam sat up and looked at him. "Sirius?"

He smiled at her. "Yes?"

She took a deep breath before speaking. "Don't you think we should tell people about us? I mean, we've been together for close to two months now. I know we don't know how they will react but I think that they'd be happy for us. Plus, it would stop that Sarah Rudolph from chasing you around."

Sirius laughed. "Are you jealous? You have no reason to be. I'm with you."

Sam gave him a look. "Sirius, I don't want to pressure you but when is it going to be the right time to tell them? I'm starting to feel like you're embarrassed to be with me."

He hugged her. "I'm not embarrassed to be with you. I didn't want to tell you this but I hinted around about us being together to James and Moony…they didn't seem all that thrilled."

Sam closed her eyes and sighed. "I don't understand. Why wouldn't they want us to be happy?"

Sirius looked away from her. He knew he shouldn't have lied to her like that but it was still too soon for him to let everyone know about them. "They'll come around eventually. Don't worry, everything will work out."

Sam nodded slowly and kissed him. "I know it will. I just wish they would get over whatever their problems are with us quickly."


pqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpq
Sam and Lily were in the common room developing the pictures they took the previous day. "How are things between you and Sirius going?" asked Lily shyly.

Sam looked at her in surprise. "What are you talking about?"

Lily rolled her eyes and laughed. "Oh Sam, really! You two couldn't be anymore obvious! Everyone knows! I just don't understand why you haven't said anything!"

Sam sighed. "We were just afraid about James and Remus' reaction."

Lily looked at her curiously. "What the bloody hell are you talking about? They each talked to Sirius separately and told him that they were just fine with it."

Sam couldn't breath. He had purposely lied to her and she couldn't understand why. The boys walked in and sat down next to them. "H-How are the pictures coming along?" Peter asked.

Sam smiled at him. "They are coming out just fine. Especially the ones you took." She looked at Sirius and he winked and smiled at her. She sighed and looked away from him. "I'm going to go to the owlery. I forgot to ask my mum to send me something. Lily, all you have to do is hang them up and let them dry for a bit." Lily nodded and Sam left.

Sirius stared after her and quickly stood up. "I forget…something. I'll be back later."

James laughed after he left. "Well, at least they aren't being obvious about anything."


pqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpq
Sirius found her sending an owl to her mother and wrapped his arms around her from behind. He kissed the side of her neck before she pushed him away. He looked at her, confused. "What's the problem?"

He began to sweat when he saw the look on her face. Only two people could make him scared with just a look. Sam was one of them while the other was probably snogging his best friend at that moment. "You're embarrassed to be with me!" Sam growled.

He sighed. "Not this again! Sam, we've been through this! I'm just waiting until-"

"You already talked with James and Remus! They told you that they were fine with it! What else am I supposed to believe!"

"I'm not embarrassed to be with you! Sammy, I love you! I'm just not ready for everyone else to know about us! What would they think!"

"Since when do you care about what other people think?"

She had him there. "I-I don't!"

"I'm sorry. Whatever you problem is, we can't be together until you get over it."

Sam walked away and he caught up to her in the hallway. He looked at her with desperation in his eyes. "Sammy, you can't mean that! We're supposed to be together!"

She touched his cheek gently but he pulled away when a group of people walked down the hallway. She sighed. "I do mean it. Sirius, I told you that I didn't want to pressure you but you're leaving me no choice. If you really love me, then find me when you get over your issues about us being together." She left him standing there looking completely devastated.


pqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpq
That night at dinner, Sirius was glaring at Sam. She was sitting with her friends and Chris across the table. He was so upset about Sam breaking up with him that he could barely eat a thing. Everyone knew about his relationship with Sam and he screwed it up, just like he predicted he would. Sirius didn't mean to hurt her but that's what he wound up doing.

Lily leaned over the table and whispered at him. "Sirius, just talk to her."

Sirius shook his head. "She doesn't want to speak to me."

Lily narrowed her eyes at him. "Only because you're acting like a prat! If you love her, then get over whatever you problems are and be with her!"

Sirius nodded and went back to staring at Sam. The last straw for him was when Chris put his arm around her and whispered something in her ear which caused her to smile and blush. Sirius was fuming as he pushed Lilac and Patty out of the way and sat across from Sam. She looked at him and rolled her eyes. "What do you want, Black?" She asked coolly.

Sirius didn't like the tone in her voice but he didn't care. "I want to talk to you."

Sam sighed. "Why? We said everything we needed to."

Sirius gritted his teeth. "No, you said everything! It's my turn now! Will you listen or do I have to hold you down and force you!"

"Make it fast."

"I love you."

Sam waited for him to continue but sighed when he didn't. "Yeah, I know. What else you got?"

Sirius groaned. "Why do you have to make this so difficult?"

"I'm not making this difficult! Get to the point, Sirius!"

"The point is that I want to be with you and I don't care if everyone knows about us. Don't you see? Sammy, I love you and want everyone to know it."

Sam slightly smiled. "I don't know if I believe you. You lied to me about all of this before." Sirius slid under the table and pushed Chris out of the way to sit next to Sam. She stared at him in amazement. "What do you think you are doing?"

He pulled her close to him. "I'm going to make you believe me." He leaned in and kissed her in front of everyone. "Stay with me, Sam. Don't end what we've been waiting to have for so long. Don't end things because I was acting like a git!"

Sam laughed and kissed him again. "I love you, Sirius. I'll stay with you."

Sirius saw their friends and everyone else smiling in amazement at them and he started to pull away from her. Sam's face fell and moved away from him. "Do you ever mean what you say to me?"

Sirius swallowed down the knot that formed in his throat. He hugged her and kissed her temple. "Yes, I do. I don't care about everyone else. I just want to be with you."

She smiled at him. "I want to be with you too. Are you sure about this?"

Sirius wasn't sure about anything except one thing. He didn't want to lose her. "I'm sure."


pqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpq
Sam and Sirius were walking back to the Gryffindor common room, hand in hand. As people passed, they stared and smiled in their directions. Sirius clenched his teeth as he noticed the stares, normally, he didn't mind attention people would throw his way but for some reason it bothered him this time. He was happy that Sam forgave him and decided to stay with him but he just didn't like how everyone was gawking at them.

Sam wrapped her arm around his waist and he felt the knot in his throat grow. He gave her a weak smile when he noticed her look at him. "Are you ok?" She whispered in his ear. Sirius felt a tingle when her breath flowed across his ear and quickly nodded. "I'm just fine. Why do you ask?"

She stared at him closely. "No reason. It just looks like you're about to pass out."

He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and kissed the side of her head. "You have that effect on me."

Sam laughed and rolled her eyes. "Wow! You really are full of it!"

Sirius laughed and followed her into the common room. They sat down on the sofa and Sirius blew in her ear. She let out a light giggle and laughed some more when he nibbled on her ear. She turned her head and kissed him. He sucked her bottom lip and she trembled. James and Remus walked over to them and sat down. "Would you two get a room? That is disgusting and no one wants to see that!" exclaimed James.

They broke apart and Sam smiled at him. "We could use your room, big brother. Don't worry; it would only take a minute."

Remus laughed while Sirius looked offended. "Excuse me! I would hope it takes longer than a minute!" Sam laughed while Sirius saw the look on James' face. Sirius quickly stammered. "N-Not that i-it matters how long it takes! W-We don't do anything but talk. Long talks about nothing important."

Remus and Sam shared a look before laughing. James shook his head. "That was very sad, Padfoot. You need to work on your covering up skills."

Sam patted Sirius' knee. "James is right, you know? That was really quite pathetic." Sirius shook his head and groaned. Sam gave him a comforting smile. "What did you want, James?"

"I need to talk to Sirius for a moment."

Sirius looked at him. "What about?"

Sam stood up. "I'll leave you three alone while you talk."

She gave Sirius a brief kiss and walked away. Sirius gazed after her with a wide grin playing on his lips. James and Remus looked at each other and rolled their eyes. "Was I ever that pathetic when I went out with her?" Remus asked.

James nodded. "Yes, you were. I don't know why but my sister makes guys act like complete ponces whenever she is around."

Sirius sighed happily as he continued to watch her. "Look at her. She is amazing! She's beautiful and smart. Who wouldn't want to be around her?"

James and Remus stifled their laughter. "I thought we went through this before? She is my sister and I don't look at her in that way." James said.

Sirius rolled his eyes. "I know that, mate. What did you want to talk to me about?"

"I was just wondering if you were up to sneaking out tonight. We haven't done that since the beginning of last term."

Sirius shrugged. "I promised Sam that we would spend the night together. I'll just have to talk to her about it."

James laughed. "Wow! I never thought I'd see the day when a girl had Sirius Black whipped!"

Sirius glared at him. "I am not whipped! Are you telling me that Lily is okay with you just leaving for no good reason?"

James nodded. "She insisted upon it. She said something about finally getting some work done without me trying to distract her. But by all means, ask Sam's permission."

"I don't need anyone's permission to do anything! I'm just going to inform her that I'm leaving."

James and Remus laughed when Sirius got up and walked over to her. They watched closely as Sirius talked to Sam. They saw her slightly pout and Sirius smile and kiss her. He came running back over and they looked up at him with big smiles on their faces. "So did mummy say it was okay for you to come out and play?" James asked.

Sirius glared at him. "Oh shut up! She just decided that I didn't feel like going out tonight. How about tomorrow? She's going to be helping Patty with some homework and we will be free to do whatever we want."

Remus laughed. "You were right, Prongs. I never thought I'd see the day that Padfoot would have a leash around his neck."

Sirius laughed sarcastically. "Coming from the man that was practically neutered by her for two years."

Remus held up his hands in defense. "I never said that I wasn't whipped when I was with her. I'm just saying that I never thought that you would be."

"I'm not whipped!" They just stared at them. "Fine! To hell with it, we'll go tonight!"

Remus and James put their hands to their hearts and looked at each other in mock concern. "But what would mummy say?" They asked in unison.

Sirius rolled his eyes and groaned. "Oh shut the hell up the both of you!"


pqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpqpq
Sirius was walking alone in the hallway after classes. He wasn't watching where he was going and bumped into someone. He looked up and smiled. "Hello Sarah. Sorry about that."

Sarah smiled and blushed. "It's not a problem. I wasn't watching where I was going either. How's everything going with the old ball and chain?"

Sirius shifted uncomfortably and laughed nervously. "Things with Sam are going ok, I supposed. Why do you ask?"

Sarah slightly shrugged. "I was just wondering. I never thought I'd see the day when you would be in a committed relationship. Hell must really have frozen over."

Sirius sneered. "Well, I'm happy with her. We make sense together. Not that it's any of your business."

She smiled and eyed him closely. "Wow! You are being very defensive. Did I hit a nerve?"

Sirius rolled his eyes. "No, you didn't."

"Are you sure? It seems like I did."

"Well, you didn't!"

"Then why are you getting so upset about me asking about your relationship?"

Sirius looked at her closely. "Because it seems to me that you are up to something. I don't know what it is but I don't like it."

Sarah rolled her eyes and laughed. "I'm not up to anything. I was just trying to catch up with and old friend."

Sirius sighed. "Whatever. It doesn't matter. Everything is fine, if you must know."

"Not feeling trapped, are you? I know how being with one girl for over a week can make you feel claustrophobic."

He glared at her. "We've been together for over tow months!"

"Really? Well, isn't that nice?"

"Sirius!"

Sirius jumped and turned around. Sam and her friends were walking over to them. Sirius inwardly groaned. "Hey Sam!"

Sam hugged him and left her arm around his waist. He shifted uncomfortably in her tight embrace. His movements caused Sarah to smile brightly. "Hello Sarah. How are you?" Sam asked.

Sirius kissed Sam's temple and Sarah rolled her eyes. "I'm doing just fine. Thank you so much for asking. It's nice to know that my well being is one of your top priorities."

Sam smirked. "Oh, it is. Especially when you're well being is getting very close to my boyfriend."

Sarah laughed. "Why are you so nervous, Samantha? Does his reputation make you nervous?"

She shifted uncomfortably and glared at Sarah. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Sarah patted Sam's head. "We were just talking, that's all. No need to worry your pretty little head about it."

Sirius had to hold Sam back before she hit Sarah. Sarah's eyes widened and turned to leave. "I'll talk to you later, Sirius. When you're guard dog isn't around."

Sirius turned to Sam after Sarah left and sighed. "We need to talk in private for a moment." He dragged her out of earshot from her friends. He turned to her and glared. "What the hell was that all about?"

Sam glared right back at him. "I could ask the same thing!"

"What the bloody hell are you talking about!"

"Don't you see? She's been after you since the beginning of term! I was just claiming what is mine!"

Sirius was fuming. "I'm not your fucking property! You don't own me and I am not your fucking whipped boyfriend that does everything you say!"

Sam was honestly confused. "I didn't mean it like that! And who said anything about you being whipped?"

Sirius looked away from her. "It doesn't matter! You have to realize that you don't own me! I can talk to whomever I want to without you always hanging around!"

"Why are you acting this way?"

Sirius groaned. He knew that this fight was stupid and came out of left field but he was feeling overwhelmed by everyone knowing about them and adding their two cents into their relationship and he decided to take it out on her even though she didn't deserve it. "It doesn't matter! Stop acting like you own me! I've been doing just fine before we got together. I don't need some little girl with a crush putting her hooks into me!"

Sam was crushed. "I-Is that how you see me? Is that the way you really feel? Some little girl with a crush who thinks she owns you?"

"Sam, I'm sorry. I don't really think of you like that. I was just upset. If that's what I really thought, I wouldn't be with you."

She looked back at her friends and saw them wave her over. "I have to go."

He sighed. He was surprised that she didn't slap him after what he said. He was actually expecting it because he knew he deserved it. Sirius brought her into a hug and held her closely. "How about you and me spend sometime together?"

Sam shook her head. "I can't. I'm spending time with my friends tonight."

"You spent time with them yesterday when I left with your brother and Moony."

Sam sighed. "I promised. I can't break a promise."

Sirius groaned. "Come on, Sam. I'm talking about one night! They'll understand!"

Sam nodded reluctantly and walked over to her friends. "It's about damn time! Why did yelling at him take so long!" grunted Lilac.

"I'm sorry, guys. He wants to hang out with me tonight, alone. We can hang out tomorrow."

Patty groaned. "Why doesn't he just put a leash around your neck and call it a day? He's got you whipped!"

"No, he doesn't. He just wants to make up for ditching me last night."

Mary and Alice rolled their eyes while Patty and Lilac glared at her. "If you're not careful, he's going to make you into a doormat. I don't know what it is about your brother's friends but once you're with them, you let them walk all over you!" Patty yelled.

"What the bloody hell are you talking about!" Sam asked incredulously.

Lily decided to answer. "When Remus broke up with you and pretended to be with Hannah, you took him back and pretended nothing happened. You put up a good front but once he said he was sorry, it was like you forgot everything he said and did to you. When he cheated on you, you, once again, pretended that nothing happened. When are you going to grow a backbone where your brother's friends are concerned? It's only a matter of time before Sirius does the same thing. He has already ditched you when you two had plans. What's next? Are you going to find him in bed with Sarah and apologize for interrupting them?"

Sam was getting really annoyed. She honestly wondered if she had a target on her back and didn't know it. "Is it beat up on Sam day or something? Because I didn't see the notice on the bulletin board this morning. I was not Remus' doormat and I won't be Sirius'. I'm sorry that I'm breaking our plans but he wants to make it up to me for ditching me. What am I supposed to do?"

Mary sighed. "Here's an idea! Tell him no and come with us."

Alice smiled encouragingly at Sam. "Come on, Sam. Come with us."

Sam looked desperately at them. "Sam, come on!" Sirius yelled and Sam jumped. He was looking rather annoyed and she groaned. "I'm sorry. I'll hang with you lot tomorrow."

Patty looked at her like she was something stuck on her shoe. "Don't bother. Find us when you come to your senses."

"Guys, don't do this. You're all my best friends. Why can't you be friends with me if I'm dating Sirius?"

Alice hugged Sam. "We aren't going to stop being friends with you. We just have to accept your relationship with him and he's going to have to accept our friendship with you."

Sam smiled at Alice. "Thank you, Alice. That means a lot to me that you all are willing to compromise."

The other three grumbled while Alice kept smiling encouragingly. "Sam, let's go! How long does it take to break plans!" Sam jumped and waved goodbye to them as she ran over to Sirius.

The four girls shared a look and sighed. "He is going to break her heart, and we are going to have to put her back together." Mary said in a sigh.

"No, we won't. She'll run to Lily, not us. Don't you ever notice that the only reason she tells us anything is because we are usually hanging out near where she is talking to Lily about anything." Lilac said.

Alice sighed. "Then we'll just have to prove to her that we are just as trustworthy as Lily. We have to be there for her when he breaks her heart."