EDIT: For all of you that already read this chapter, there was a HUGE mistake at the end. At a certain place... that I don't want to give away, it said Rayne's name twice instead of Nyx. I'm sure you all know where this is. It was a mistake, this is the edit. Sorry for not catching it before!
Hey guys!
So… I've been dreadfully sick this past week. I spent the first two days slacking and watching TV, but I buckled down on the third day and wrote this chap. I'm warning you, I had a bit of a fever writing it, so if it's really erratic, that's why.
I want to warn you before you read. There is a segment of this chap where I use quite a few… not-so-polite words. I have used them before, mostly sparingly. But now they are all clustered up into a few sentences and capitalized. Sooo… yeah. Please forgive my language.
Thank you! Please read and enjoy!
Disclaimer: Oh pllleeeeaze. JK wouldn't dare use as much profanity as I have in this chap. She's a MOM, guys!
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If there is one thing I hate, its waking up the morning after Something Big and realizing that you were a complete, utter idiot and now you have to deal with the consequences.
Actually, there may be one thing I hate more. Impulsiveness. Because that's what makes Something Bigs happen and causes you to deal with them. If I weren't so damn impulsive, I wouldn't be standing on the edge of the girl's dormitory staircase, debating whether or not to ever go down.
Let's just think about the last time I kissed Sirius. True, he initiated it that time, but I still participated, you know. I believe I spent the next couple of days dealing with the repercussions. And now I'd gone and kissed him. Who knew what sort of drama would go down now?
At some point, I realized I was being a drama queen as well as an idiot and forced myself down the stairs, all the while hoping he wasn't standing at the bottom of them. But you know how Luck and I are. We aren't exactly the closest friends. In fact, I think she has it out for me. Although I can't be entirely certain. But sure enough, there he was, glowering against the wall by the boy's dormitory staircase. James, Remus and Pettigrew were with him, talking animatedly. I braced myself as I entered the Common Room.
His eyes immediately flew to me, staring accusingly. I winced. After all, I had kind of kissed him and ran for it. Not exactly fair and square.
When I made no move to speak to him, he rolled his eyes, disdainfully looking away. I felt a wave of nausea if I wondered if this was the end. Was he tired of being in love with someone that couldn't make up their mind? Was he going to avoid me and leave me behind?
I could hear all the words he didn't say. Coward. Tease. Cruel.
That's when I made up my mind.
Setting my jaw, I strode firmly over to him and stuck my hand in his face. His eyes widened in surprise.
I squeezed my eyes shut and blurted out, "Look, I'm sorry for what happened and it wasn't fair and I wasn't thinking and I'm sorry. Please forgive me for being an idiot!" I peered up at him through half-shut lids.
He blinked wonderingly for a couple of seconds before he processed what I said. Then, he snickered. "You think you're getting off that easy?"
I looked at him warily. "You're up to something," I told him unnecessarily.
He rolled his eyes. "So suspicious." He smirked down at me, and I tried hard to remember exactly why I had kissed him. Then his hand brushed mine and I swear I felt fireworks. Oh yeah. That.
He continued. "I'll forgive you, but you have to do something for me."
I crossed my arms over my chest. "What?"
He shrugged. "I don't know yet."
I narrowed my eyes. "I'm not sleeping with you Black."
He snorted. "It'll be appropriate. Something that fits the size of the crime."
I scanned his face for any mischief and found it oddly clear. Cautiously, I extended my hand to shake his. "I better not regret this, Black."
He shook my hand and then briefly ruffled my hair, causing my to emit a squawk of displeasure. "Don't worry about it Aria." He tugged a strand of my hair back into the proper place. "And what is with you calling me by my surname anyway?"
I sniffed. "You should be happy. I call nearly everyone else by their Christian name. You're special." I widened my eyes and gave a mock gasp. "Oh wait! I call Pettigrew by his surname too." I fake-smiled at him as he realized where I was going with this. "You should be comforted to know that I feel the same thing about you as Pettigrew." Unable to resist, I muttered, "That creeper," under my breath.
He gave me a light shove that nonetheless sent me stumbling. "I do feel comforted indeed," he said sarcastically. "Colette," he added as an afterthought.
I nearly hissed. "How many times have I told you? I hate my last name. Don't you dare call me by it."
"Than don't call me by my surname," Sirius laid down the ultimatum.
I sighed, not seeing anyway out of it. "Fine," I muttered unhappily, "Spoil my fun."
"If you find that fun, you must have a really boring life," Sirius cheerfully informed me. I shoved him, hard, but, typically, he didn't react at all.
By this point, all our friends had straggled downstairs and most of the Gryffindor portion of the fan club as well. We were being actively watched.
Kristy slung her arm over my shoulder, yawning. "It's much too early in the morning to flirt, Ari."
I shoved her off. "I was not flirting with Bla-Sirius." I corrected myself unwillingly. "We were actually arguing if you must know."
Kristy waved her hand airily. "Same difference."
I wanted to smack her, I really did.
On the side: Sometimes I wonder about why I have such violent reactions to certain suggestions about Sirius and I. Sometimes, you'd think I actually cared. And don't go shaking your head like that. I don't care. I mean, I sort of do in the I'm-attracted-to-him-and-I-also-like-him-as-a-friend-which-would-normally-mean-we're-romantically-involved-but-we-aren't-but-we-sort-of-are. Does that make sense?
Anyhow, we headed down to the Great Hall as a huge troop. I ended up walking with Sirius. We tended to get lumped together, as I've mentioned multiple times.
At the entrance to the Great Hall, he stopped me, eyes bright. "I've figured out what I want you to do."
I made a face at him. "Alright, that's nice and all, but can we discuss this at the table?"
He shook his head vehemently. "No. You have to do it here. And now."
I rolled my eyes. "Whatever Sirius. What is it?"
He gave me a swift, gleaming smile that made my stomach coil in nervous anticipation and then pressed his lips quickly against mine.
The whole Great Hall reacted. For the first two seconds I had no idea what was going on. And then on the third, I managed to get some sense back into to me and hit him over the head with my book bag.
"WHAT THE FUCK?" I screamed, beating him over the head with my very heavy bag. His arms protected his head as he laughed hysterically.
"Miss Aria! Language!" McGonagall called from the teacher's table.
"Oh, who the FUCK gives a FUCKING SHIT!" I shrieked at the top of my lungs, causing Sirius to laugh even louder. "I was fucking MOLESTED in front of all of my peers by this DIP-SHIT! And now I'm not even allowed to CURSE about the BLOODY MOTHER-FUCKING MAN-WHORE!"
… I'm pretty sure I was insane.
Sirius attempted to run away down the aisle between the Hufflepuff and Gryffindor tables. I pointed imperiously at him and shouted, "ATTACK MY BUNNY MINIONS!"
In retro prospect, I'm just grateful my friends responded to such a command. But they seemed to understand what I meant as they leapt up and cornered Sirius, beating him vindictively with their book bags.
"OI!" James shouted, jumping up and getting between Lily and Sirius. "Calm DOWN, you guys. We're going to get in a crap load of trouble!"
That convinced Lily and Rayne to cease their physical attacks. Kristy, being the loyal friend that she is, continued on with her assault. I raced to join her, finally realizing that there was one more method of attack open to me.
"AVIS!" I screamed, causing tiny birds to burst into existence around me. I pointed my wand at Sirius. "OPPUGNNO!" They flew to attack him viciously, pecking at his skin.
"ARIA COLETTE!" McGonagall appeared, boiling with rage. I abruptly came to my senses as she vanished my birds. Kristy immediately ceased attacking Sirius, shooting me an apologetic shrug.
McGonagall looked madder than she had since… maybe since I told her that she'd probably have more sex if she put a little effort into her appearance. Which had been the last day of my 6th year. I'd figured that she couldn't actually punish me because of summer vacation. She gave me extra summer homework instead. I spent all summer vacation cursing my stupidity.
Actually, she might even have been a little madder in this instance.
"Miss Colette," she spoke in a low, even tone that barely contained her anger. "My office. Now."
"Wait, Professor!" Sirius halted her by catching the sleeve of her robe. "It really is my fault. I provoked her. And I don't mind…"
McGonagall brushed him aside. "Provoked or not, Miss Colette not only used vulgar language, continuing after being warned not to, but she also used magic outside of class and violently attacked a fellow student. She must be punished."
"Come on, Professor," Kristy pleaded. "She already has detention on Fridays for the next three weeks."
McGonagall's nostrils flared. "Than she should learn to stop getting in so much trouble, shouldn't she!"
Dumbledore coughed quietly, drawing attention as he descended to join the hubbub. "Minerva… perhaps you should consider that certain… events might have made Miss Aria slightly more… unstable, I suppose you could say. Let it go this once."
Practically everyone in the Great Hall dropped their jaws. I was pretty sure that McGonagall, Dumbledore and I were the only ones who actually knew what was going on. I ducked my head. I didn't think the news had affected my actions, but if it got me out of detention, I'd take any excuse.
McGonagall gave a resigned sniff. "Fine. But you still have detention. Another three weeks!"
"Sadist," I muttered under my breath as the two staff members retreated back to their table. Ignoring the stares, I swung into my seat, grumpily taking some eggs.
"So." Remus awkwardly broached the silence. I didn't bother responding.
"Revenge," I murmured spitefully. Only Lily, who was sitting next to me, caught it.
"Aria…" she whispered. "If you still want to get back at Sirius, then you need to be a little more discrete. And less violent."
I raised my eyebrows, looking at her. "I thought you were all against it once you realized it might mean trouble."
She snorted. "That was a totally jerky thing to do. Completely humiliating for you. I'm all for getting back. But you have to be discrete. And besides," she paused to fluff her hair, "There are ways to get revenge well within the Hogwarts rules."
I pressed my lips together to quell a smile. "I think I've got an idea, if you, Rayne, and Kristy would be willing to help me."
Lily grinned. "We always are."
I bit my lip excitedly. "Let me think on it. I'll tell you about it in Transfig."
And I began to plot.
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(Aria, Lily, Kristy, Rayne)
Lils?
Aria, are you done with the plan?
I think I've about got it. Now I just need your opinion.
Which I'm always willing to give.
Oi! What exactly is going on here?
Aria's coming up with a devious plot to get back at Sirius.
This is taking immature to a whole new level. … I'm all for it!
Okay, so what's the story anyway? After all, I heard you owed him something or something… What's going on there?
Oh, it's no big deal. I just kissed him.
YOU KISSED HIM?
Yeah, during the last dance last night. He was looking so edible… and we'd just been dancing… so… I don't know. I don't even really remember how it happened. One minute I was thinking about how silver his eyes were and the next I'm pulling him down to snog the crap out of him.
Aria… why do things like this always happen to you?
I'm an impulsive idiot. I can't help it. I should get therapy for my issues.
Oh, and what was Dumbledore talking about this morning?
I don't know. He was just being weird. You know that Dumbledore. He's always doing something wacky.
Getting back to the subject at hand… Aria, what is your brilliant plan to get back at Sirius for publicly humiliating you by kissing you in front of the whole school?
It involves you guys doing a lot of work… I'm just warning you.
Okay, I'm getting nervous. Just tell us already!
Okay, this is so immature, but… I was thinking… The best way to get back at Sirius is through his friends. So… what if you guys swore you would not touch your boyfriends or speak to them or anything for a whole week as punishment to Sirius? Your little devoted puppies would hate it and totally bug him. It'd be terrific!
Okay… I take back my earlier statement. THIS takes immature to a whole new level. And I still love it. I'm so messed up.
We all are, dear, we all are. And I'm all for it, Ari. Rick will throw a fit and TORTURE Sirius. Besides, it'd be a good way to revamp the romance. Just snogging is getting dull. This'll add… intrigue!
Yeah, I'm good! I'm getting sick of James being all… hesitant with me. I want to snog, damn it!
That's right, Lils, stick up for your rights!
A woman should have a good amount of snogging, but not too MUCH, if you know what I mean.
Indeed. And at first I thought it was sweet that James didn't try to snog me every five minutes. I still do. But that doesn't mean I don't want any action at all! Come on! Even if I'm a girl, I am a TEENAGE girl!
Well… if you want to go even farther, we can do something really low.
Sounds scandalous! What's your idea?
Think sitting at Rayne's table for once with a couple of very attractive Ravenclaw boys… maybe even a little flirting…
Oooohh… Aria, that's low indeed.
Getting the boys jealous… I like it. Besides, Remus needs some pay back after telling me he didn't want to go to the dance with me, then snogging me and asking me out with positively NO explanation.
God, we are so evil to them, aren't we?
What else are boys for?
Good point.
Well then! Today, at lunch, we tell them and sit with those afore mentioned boys.
Let's do it!
Bring it!
All for us and us for all!
Time to show the boys who's boss!
At that point, McGonagall rather rudely stole the note out of my hand and gave me more detention, conveniently forgetting that Rayne, Lily, and Kristy had been writing notes too. I swear, that woman has it out for me. I am so going to get back at her when I stay her flat Christmas break.
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After McGonagall kept me five minutes late to scold me, I headed with the girls to lunch. We were psyched to put our plan into motion. I have to admit, I was kind of nervous. I mean, Rayne was right. This was taking immature to a whole new level. But… he kissed me in front of the whole Great Hall. Forgive me for being a bit upset!
In some deep corner of my mind, I knew I was being irrational. Honestly, I didn't care. I wanted to be silly and stupid. Isn't that what being a kid is for? So you can screw up and be and idiot and no one will care, 'cause after all, you're a kid!
Dumbledore was probably right. After all, I hadn't had that extreme of a reaction to the news McGonagall had imparted. I was a drama queen. Was this my way of getting my feelings out?
My head hurt from trying to psychoanalyze myself. I shook my head dismissively and put my thoughts aside as we entered the Great Hall.
Kristy grinned. "This is going to be so much fun."
Rayne bit her lip. "I feel a little guilty."
I poked her in the stomach and she yelped. "Don't chicken out on me now, Rayne."
She was about to retort as someone knocked into to me. Irritated, I turned to curse them out (I was not in the mood for that sort of thing) when I recognized the person who had bumped into me.
"Cissy," I breathed softly. She looked at me blankly, without emotion.
"Aria," she replied coolly. She pulled her book bag higher up on her arm. "I apologize."
Now, Narcissa isn't the type to lose track of her surroundings and walk into someone. I knew this was deliberate. I tried to convey my confusion; slipping back into that kind of talking-without-talking language Cissy and I had developed as children.
"I'm fine, thanks!" I told her, beaming. "You?"
She calmly tucked a strand of platinum hair behind her ear. "Quite well." She tilted her head slightly towards the Slytherin table and shot me a look. "It's been a while."
I put my hands in my skirt pockets. "Yeah…" I agreed. I thought I knew what she was getting at. "Why don't we catch up over lunch?"
Cissy's mouth turned up slightly at the corners and I knew I had gotten it right. "That would be delightful."
I smiled uneasily at her. "Okay, I'll be there in a sec."
Lily's hand clamped down on my shoulder. "Wait, Aria. What about the plan and everything?"
It all seemed so trivial now. I shot Lily a quick grin. "It'll have to be postponed, I guess." I tugged away from them and waved. "I'll see you guys in Potions!"
I turned away before I could see the hurt expressions that they were undoubtedly wearing.
Cissy had waited for me. "Cold," she commented as I reached her side.
I shrugged. "Not much else I could be."
She raised one eyebrow slightly, saying nothing and I grimaced at her. Sometimes it was almost irritating how well Cissy could make a point by saying nothing at all.
I followed her to the Slytherin table nervously. Through all my years at Hogwarts, I had never actually sat there before. If Cissy and I were going to eat together, we normally ate in her dorm. It was odd, walking on this side of the room. It was like I had entered a whole new world.
Nyx was sitting, saving seats for us. I studied her seriously for the first time in months and was shocked at what I saw. She looked almost gaunt, her dark eyes listless and her hair lank. There was no question. Something was horribly wrong.
Cissy sat next to Nyx and I sat across from them. I could see the gaping mouths of the other students over their shoulders and ducked my head. It was probably a first. A Gryffindor had most likely never sat at the snake's table before.
I leaned forward towards Cissy and Nyx. "What's going on?" I asked almost silently, my forehead crinkling with worry.
Cissy and Nyx exchanged glances. Then Cissy sighed and looked at me, her deep blue eyes full of sorrow. "It's about Him."
To anyone else, this would have meant the Dark Lord, but I knew whom she meant. She was talking about Nyx's secret boyfriend, a Muggle who lived in London. During the summer, we had done a lot of covering for Nyx when she visited him. I had even dropped her off a few times. I felt my stomach clench in dread. My hands gripped the table hard.
"What's happened to him?" I questioned, almost not wanting to ask.
Nyx looked up, eyes filling with tears. "I think Regulus found out."
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MUA HA HA HA!
Drama fest coming up for all of you!
Swordandpen28, here you go. That delicious little plot line I set up back in chapter 2… it's finally here! Hee hee!
Sooo… for the bonus chaps at the end of the story… I've had two suggestions, I believe. The first is for me to write a little something about the Slytherins. The second is write something in Lily's POV about Aria and James's relationship, etc. Both of these sound like fun, and I'm looking forward to writing them! I'm still taking requests for extras, if you guys would like any others. I'm willing to write three or four of them. So please give me your ideas!
I hope you enjoyed this chap! I 3 you all! REVIEW! Please.
