ME 6 Building
The Last Straw – 1
Not much had changed on Grimmauld. The air was still thick and filled with swirling fog and of course, Sirius was still pounding the street. Over the last few weeks he had been able to forage a small friendship with Mark Oldson, a mechanic down the street. Oldson was a decent bloke, and had been willing to give Sirius a job in exchange for a crashed motorbike.
The bike itself was in pretty bad shape but even in the few weeks that had passed Sirius had managed to fix it up. He couldn't use magic, of course, but he would be able to one day so he spent his money getting the thing to run. The aesthetics he could work on later, but right now he needed the engine.
If only James were here, he'd help me move it to his parents' place. The Potters would help me with it.
But James and Emma were as unreachable as the summer before.
Sirius entered the shop with a smile, with the promise of several hours away from his parents how could he not? Oldson heard him enter the shop and turned to him with a smile.
"Finally got away from your folks, didja?" Oldson asked making his way over. He had short brown hair and blue eyes. His face had a few scars and he was slightly overweight. He was an older man, but Sirius was already quite attached to him. Oldson had let him in with little coaxing and was understanding in Sirius' need to get out of the house. Of course, he had no idea that Sirius was a wizard, Sirius had told him his parents were higher-ups (not a lie) and that they despised those with less money (again not lying).
"Yeah, I'm sorry I'm late," Sirius said grapping a wrench.
"Only by five minutes," Oldson blew it off. "Tell you what, if you do a good job today kid I'll help you with that engine."
Sirius grinned, gave a, "yes Sir!" and was off to work. He got lunch break at around noon. Around that time every day Helen would come to visit, a muggle girl who dressed in the punk fashions and had green streaks in her dirty blond hair. Helen was always willing to accept a knut in exchange for a pack of smokes (though what she did with the bronze coins Sirius couldn't fathom).
Sirius exited the shop at noon, full of grease and thankful to see Helen waiting.
"Hey hottie."
"Punk," Sirius smirked. "I still have enough today," he said, meaning that he wouldn't be buying. "Any news?"
"Not much," Helen shrugged, offering Sirius a light. "Although that House, number 12? I hear the old witch that lives there is going to have company."
"Oh?" Sirius wasn't surprised to hear Helen refer to his mother as a witch, most of the neighbourhood called her one. He wondered blankly what they'd do if they knew how right they were. "The cow didn't tell me about that, how do you know who's coming to my house?"
"My mum snoops," Helen smirked. "I swear she's got an obsession. In any case she heard your mum say something to your brother about getting ready for a visit from your aunt and uncle."
"Perfect," Sirius grumbled, taking a pull off the cigarette. "I bet you a 20 that my cousin Vulpecula is with them."
Helen shivered. Sirius had told her that Vulpecula was a stuck-up snob his parents wanted him to marry, to keep the family wealth in the family. As a free spirit she couldn't fathom her parents trying to marry her off, besides, she was sort of hoping Sirius would give her a chance.
Sirius, however, wasn't really interested in Helen that way, there was enough Emma in her to keep the red head continually on his mind. While he could never picture Emma smoking, or dying her hair green for that matter, she did refuse any chains what-so-ever, to the point where she occasionally baffled Sirius who hadn't considered the restricting qualities of a situation. Sirius was a person who rebelled against authority, Emma was the one who refused to acknowledge it to begin with. The only people he'd ever seen her regard with authority like respect, other then her parents, were Dumbledore and the Heads' of House, who had won her loyalty by letting her into the school. Sirius realized that he owed Dumbledore for that, maybe he should get the headmaster a treat.
"I hope for your sake she isn't," Helen said, "Any letters from your friends?"
Sirius shook his head, "Remus' last letter came in last week, I think mum's taking them again and Pete isn't much of a writer."
"What about your other friends? James and Emma? You said they were on vacation together?"
"They won't have time to write. Do you mind walking a bit? I need to get some grub."
Helen nodded, following Sirius down the block where he bought a sausage at a stand. He usually had a sandwich in his pocket from home but he obviously didn't have time today. She watched him buy the sausage with a small smirk, as if it reminded him of something, especially while he handled the money. She wished that he was smiling that way because of her, but quite obviously he wasn't. He practically groaned as he bit into it, looking at the sausage in wonder.
"What?" Helen asked laughing. "Have you never had one before?"
Her eyes nearly popped out of her head when he shook his head, "No," he said swallowing. "But I have a friend, Emma, she has a sausage obsession so when I saw the stand I couldn't resist and she was right, this is really good!" He smiled, "You remind me of her."
Helen felt a blush creep across her face. Sirius only ever spoke of his friends in tones of worship, being compared to one made her feel like she had a chance…
"I think she'd like you, it's too bad she's not around," he frowned.
"You miss them a lot."
"I miss school a lot," Sirius agreed. "That said, this is pretty decent, hopefully Vulpy doesn't ruin it."
Helen smirked, watching Sirius dust his hand off, "Well I should get back to work. Nice talking to you Helen."
"You too Sirius."
When he got back home he was ushered into the bathroom by Kreature who was practically tearing his hair out with worry. His parents didn't know where he went every day, not that they cared much.
He made his way into the drawing room once he was properly groomed and Remus' voice sounded in his head as he took in the scene of his parents,
Cheerful, aren't they?
He snorted, making his way to an empty chair and sitting awkwardly. His Aunt and Uncle arrived within the half hour and with them was Vulpecula.
"Sirius," she walked up to him, her hips swaying.
"Vulpecula," Sirius bowed, his mouth turned down in a sneer.
"Shall we have dinner then?" Walburga asked after a few moments, leading them into the dinning room.
Sirius followed his mother with little grace; he had been hoping that Vulpecula wouldn't be coming. At least, he told himself, it's only dinner.
When he entered the dinning room he was less then thrilled to see that he was to be seated beside his cousin – perfect.
"Vulpecula dear, why don't you tell Sirius about Durmstrang?" his aunt suggested, turning to her daughter with an indulgent smile.
Vulpecula grinned, causing Sirius to grimace. Anything that made his cousin happy was sure to be horrible for him. "The school colours are black and red, as I'm sure you know. The castle is very beautiful and there is even a dragon guarded cave not too far away. The Magical Beast's teacher takes the seventh years to see him. There is also a very large lake, where we can sometimes swim in the summer and a huge quiditch pitch," her nose wrinkled. "We don't have houses, like Hogwarts, but there are neighbouring schools, smaller and less important, of course, that we face off against," she smiled proudly. "Durmstrag hasn't lost a game in fifteen years."
"You must be very proud," Sirius muttered darkly, stabbing a potato in hate.
"Oh we are," Vulpecula smiled. "Durmstrang students are filled with pride."
"How very nice for them."
Vulpecula frowned at his tone, her eyes narrowing. "Well I'm sure you'll feel the same way come fall."
"Oh?" Sirius looked up in disbelief, his tone mocking.
"Sirius darling," Sirius turned to see his mother, her eyes unnaturally soft. "We've made arrangements to transfer you to Durmstrag in the fall."
Sirius' fork clattered on his plate, his eyes wide, "No! I mean… you can't… why?"
"We're getting married in August," Vulpecula answered in sickly sweet tones, her face triumphant. "I suppose Aunty didn't have time to tell you yet. Isn't it wonderful? And then we'll be going to the same school too!"
Sirius felt as if his world was spinning in circles, crashing in around him, "But-but Emma, James, Remus, Peter-"
"Oh dear, your friends will write you," his mother said unconcerned. "Not that you couldn't use some time away from those filthy mudblood lovers."
Sirius fell silent, his eyes filled with hate and his mind whirling. He wouldn't be able to get out of this one, not the old fashioned way, he needed a plan.
He sat through the rest of dinner in silence, waiting for the moment when he could go to his room and begin to plan. One thing was for sure, there wasn't a person on this Earth who could make him marry Vulpy, not a single soul who could take him away from his friends.
He was at the garage long before it opened the next day, getting a head start on fixing up the bike. He couldn't tell Oldson his plan when the man came in, couldn't tell him he was going to run away to Merlin knows where but the man seemed to sense his need for the bike to be finished.
"Sirius," Oldson stopped him that night before he could leave. "I realize that you have some problems at home. I want you to know that I'm here, that if you need a place to stay-"
"That's very kind of you," Sirius cut the man off. He could never come to live with Oldson, his parents would have him murdered in his sleep. "But I already know where I'm going, all I need is a way to get there."
"You know Sirius," Oldson sighed, leaning against half a car in contemplation. "I ran away from home myself, never regretted it either. I had a great friend, Kevin, his parents took me in. It was perfect for a while but I eventually had to move out on my own. I had a brother you know, I haven't seen him since," Oldson paused to survey him. "Don't leave the ones you love lad. Once you find them never let go. You only need a few more parts to get this hunk of junk on the road, I can spare them easy enough. Promise me that you'll take good care of her. I used her to run away myself."
Oldson left Sirius in awe of the 'hunk of junk'. Oldson had once used it to escape an abusive home, that he was letting Sirius do the same was almost more then he could take. "I'll pay you back sir, I promise."
Oldson waved his words away, "Parts are only bits of mettle. What I want you to look after if far more important, look after yourself kid," he turned to go before saying. "And tell that cousin of yours, Vulpy? That you don't want to marry her," he winked. "Helen's mum overheard and that green haired punk came running to tell me."
Sirius smiled at Oldson's retreating back, touched by his concern.
When he got home his focus was on where he would go. Remus was ages away, on the other side of the country and Peter lived up near Scotland. If he had a choice in the matter he would go to James' place, but at present he had no idea where that was. It was late when he finally got to bed, his mind still whirling with plans.
When he got into the shop the next morning, it had taken all of his rather impressive skill to avoid Vulpy, Oldson was grinning and leaning up against the 'hunk of junk'.
"She's finished, I got her running last night," he said proudly.
Sirius' mouth fell open in shock, "You did? But why?"
Oldson chuckled, "In all honesty, you remind me a bit of myself kid. I expect a good day's work today and later we can look over a map and plan out your rout – assuming you don't fancy your cousin…"
"No!" Sirius almost yelled. "I mean, no – yeah, planning out the rout would be great."
The day passed by in a flurry of warped mettle and grease. At the end of it all Sirius was still no closer to figuring out where was going to go.
He was just about ready to ask Oldson if he had any suggestions when a loud screech echoed through the night. Sirius jumped back, startled, as not one, but three owls flew into the shop.
He looked at the two in shock, he had never been happier to see the two that stood by Night Hawk's side. Nimbus and Archimedes.
Sirius didn't know how, it went against all reason, but somehow, someway Arch and Nimbus had known that he needed somewhere to go.
Sirius no longer had to worry about where he was going to go. He was going home.
The first thing he did when he entered the house was run to his room to begin packing. Everything he owned was in the single room because a) why would he want to venture into a part of the house where his mother could be lurking and b) Kreature threw out his things if he found them lying around.
He was done within a half hour, everything he owned shrunk into his trunk. He then looked to the walls around his room and with a vindictive smile charmed the muggle photos, Gryffindor banner and pictures of his friends to hang forevermore.
He was almost at the top of the stairs when his brother ran into him, "What are you doing?"
Sirius paused, Oldson's words coming back to him. "I'm leaving Reg, leaving for good. I won't be back," he paused. "Come with me, run away with me, come and stay with Prongs and Swift-"
"No," Regulus drew back. "You can't leave-"
"Come with me," Sirius' eyes were piercing.
"This is my place," Regulus said at last. "I have to stay."
"They'll make you marry her next Regy," Sirius said darkly. "They won't simply put an end to it once I leave."
"Then I'll do as they say," Regulus stated, puffing his chest out. "I'm the good son."
"Regulus listen-"
"No you listen! This is what is right! Not those… those filthy mudbloods and blood traitors! Get out! Just go!"
Sirius blinked once in shock before frowning, "Goodbye then Regulus."
Regulus watched his brother descend the stairs, tears welling up in his eyes. He didn't want Siri to go, didn't want his big brother to leave him… but he was going to.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" His mother's scream made him trip on the last step, no doubt spraining his ankle.
"Leaving," Sirius replied coldly, leaning heavily on his trunk.
Walburga bristled, "Leaving? Leaving for what?"
"I'm leaving for good," Sirius answered. "I won't be back, tell Vulpecula to find another husband."
"You aren't going anywhere you ungrateful-" Walburga reached out towards him, no doubt intending to rip him to shreds but three owls flew straight for her, screeching loudly.
Sirius took the opportunity, making a run for the door. He yelled in pain as something hot passed across his forehead, a thick metallic smelling substance trickling down his face – blood.
He had almost pried the door open when two voices shouted at once and turning Sirius was confronted with two sets of light.
They hit him at the same time and all at once he was in agony. He fell to the ground momentarily, dazed, when Night flew towards him, picky at his robes and attempting to hoist him up – it was time to go.
He threw the door open, three owls soaring through it with him.
He paused on the step, looking in awe at the motorcycle that was parked on his curb. There was little time to contemplate how Oldson had gotten it there or why he'd given Sirius the sidecar, all he thought about was getting on it and getting on it fast. He threw his trunk in the car, his mother's yells puncturing the street.
"DISGRACE! ABOMINATION OF MY FLESH! BLOOD TRAITOR! MUDBLOOD LOVER!"
Sirius straddled the monster, watching Night Hawk settle in to the sidecar. Sirius revved the engine and seeing his family gave them a cocky grin and a wave, "SEE YOU IN HELL MOTHER!" he called before hitting the bike into high gear and driving off with Nimbus and Archimedes as his guides.
,.,.
Emma and James sat in the living room, chatting amiably and listening in on their parents who were seated in the kitchen.
"And then he says, 'I have no idea how that got there, honest Harold', meanwhile there are about 50 stolen cauldrons," they all laughed as Harold retold his day. "Ah well…" he shook his head. "That Fletcher will be the end of good society, I swear it!"
"Do you hear that?" Emma asked suddenly, her ears twitching in a horse like manner.
"No," James answered her, his face suddenly serious. "Hear what?"
"That," Emma answered, a low rumbling having disturbed her, a low rumbling that was far too close.
"I still don't…Swift wait!" James called, but it was too late. Emma dashed across the room and swung the door open.
"Sirius!" Emma stated shocked, her face a mask of horror.
Sirius was standing on the porch, a long, nasty looking gash on his forehead. He stood oddly, favouring his left leg and had an odd rash creeping up under his collar. Behind him Emma could just make out a motorbike and three owls.
"Hey Swift, Prongs," Sirius smiled at them weakly, leaning on his trunk for support. "Mind if I join?"
"Get in here," James muttered putting Sirius' right arm over his shoulders and helping him in. Emma brought Sirius' trunk into the hall.
"What happened Pads?" Emma asked kneeling in front of Sirius who had been seated on the couch. She was observing the gash on his forehead worriedly.
"Ran away from home. I was wondering if I could stay here for a day or two until I find some place to go-"
"Don't be silly!" Mary Potter snapped, having just come out of her stupor. "You're always welcome here, you won't be going anywhere!"
The adults had all vacated the kitchen and come into the living room, crowding around Sirius in anxiety.
Harold took one look at Sirius' cut before commanding, "Hesphia! Evenesca!"
"Thanks," Sirius smiled tightly, feeling his now clean and healed forehead.
Harold only frowned, kneeling in front of him, "Where else are you hurt Sirius?" he asked placing his hand on the boy's shoulder, Sirius winced.
Harold frowned, opening his mouth to give a command but Emma beat him to it.
"Shirt off now!" she commanded.
"It's nothing Emma!" Sirius stated hurriedly.
"Now." Emma commanded pointing her wand at him threateningly.
Slowly Sirius removed his shirt; everyone gasped.
His left arm and shoulder were covered in blisters that extended across his chest and stomach.
"What happened Pads?" James asked aghast.
"Nothing, I just… had an accident…" Sirius answered lamely.
Harold sat in horror for a moment, looking at the angry red blisters that covered the youth's chest.
Beside him Emma snarled and before he could put a word in edge wise she had dropped her wand and was running her hands over the blisters and muttering, "Nosta vasta antelo," over and over. Sirius gazed in interest as his skin glowed a faint blue before turning back to its blistered self – the pain was gone.
"Thanks," he stated flexing his arm.
Emma rolled her eyes, "What was it?" she asked and Harold moved out of her way. While he was the adult and should be taking control he could also see that Emma was near breaking point as it was. It was far better to let her do what she wanted and save them all from a wandless tantrum.
Sirius shrugged, "I told you what-"
"Don't lie to me! Besides that wasn't what I meant, what spell is it?" Emma asked impatiently, the lamps shaking ominously.
"Stinging hex mixed with a burning hex," Sirius answered quickly with a shrug.
Emma sighed, "Aloe verta… or vini rega?" she muttered in contemplation, "Both…" she shrugged and began the process over again, this time silently.
From her right hand a green glow shone, from her left a dull white.
They watched in amazement as the blisters were replaced by clear skin. "Better?" She asked a moment later.
"Much – you should become a healer," Sirius grinned at her.
"Hardly, what about your right leg?" Emma questioned.
Sirius shrugged, "I sprained my ankle going down the stairs with my trunk – honest," he added when Emma looked sceptical.
Emma sighed, picked up her wand and moving it in a complicated looking circular pattern muttered, "Yemend!"
"I really owe you one Swift," Sirius stated with a sigh flexing his leg.
"The truth, what happened?" Emma asked taking a seat.
Harold, noticing the worst had passed grabbed Sirius' shirt off the couch and handed it back to the worn boy. Beside Emma, James was fuming.
"I… uh…" Sirius took a deep breath. "My parents and I had an argument… it got slightly out of hand…"
"Are you saying…" James began horrified. "That your parents did this?"
"It was rather..." Sirius paused looking for the right word. "It was a rather emotional argument," he decided at last. He wasn't sure he wanted to reveal what they had been fighting about just yet.
"Has this happened before Dear?" Nora asked sitting beside the boy and wrapping him in a hug.
"Nah… it happened on my way out…" Sirius shrugged.
Mary Potter stood looking murderous, "Did you get supper?"
Sirius grinned sheepishly as his stomach rumbled at the sound of food. "I left before dinner," he answered honestly.
"No worries dear, I'll get you something to eat, Harold could you take his things up?" Mary asked leading Sirius into the kitchen without another word.
Sirius ate hungrily when the food was put before him, James staring at him across the table looking angry.
"Sup Prongs?" Sirius asked, his mouth half full.
James shook his head, "I just can't believe they would hurt you like that."
Sirius waved a hand in the air, "S'not important."
James grumbled something that sounded like, 'my ass', but was smart enough not to push the matter.
Emma turned away from the window then, her eyes blazing and Sirius swallowed in anxiety at her look.
"Never," she hissed in anger, her hair swirling slightly. "Say it's nothing when someone hurts you."
Sirius waited until she'd once again faced the window before chancing another bite of food. His eyes locked on her trembling form. "Go for a walk Swift," Sirius said, watching her.
"Shut-up and eat your dinner," Emma snapped, refusing to move.
"Swift!" the window shattered as Sirius spoke and he stood from the table, grabbing her elbow and dragging her from the house. "For Merlin's sake you're going to hurt yourself!" he snarled. "Do you remember first year at all?"
A few trees cracked around the property and Sirius sighed, thankful she was letting some of it out, "DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO!" he rolled his eyes as she bellowed, literally snarling at him.
"I'm not going to let you hurt yourself because of me!" Sirius said in the calmest tones he could manage. He let Emma pull out of his grip, watching with a victorious smile as she tore the grounds up in anger.
It was a good five minutes before she was done, sitting in the field and looking thoroughly spent. Sirius moved forward to help her into the house but James beat him to it.
"Go finish your dinner Pads, I'll get Swift."
Sirius made to protest but James raised his wand threateningly. Sirius sighed, raising his hands in surrender before going back into the house. When he walked in Mrs. Dill was standing with Mrs. Potter by the fixed window, both with matching frowns.
"Sorry about the damage," he heard Mrs. Dill say.
"Not a problem, Harold will have it set right in a wave," Mrs. Potter said with a sigh. "It has been a rough summer for them."
Sirius turned as James walked in, Emma sleeping in his arms, "She really went wild," he said sadly, re-adjusting Emma so that he could raise a hand to brush his hair from his face.
Sirius raised a brow in surprise, Emma wasn't that light.
James smirked, "Feather-light charm," he explained. "I haven't seen her that out of control since the err…" James paused as both women turned to look at him questioningly. "Spider invasion… she hates spiders."
Sirius covered a laugh with a cough as Mrs. Dill gave him an 'oh really?' look. Emma may not be a fan of spiders, who was?, but she didn't lose her head over them.
"I'll just take her upstairs," James said awkwardly. "Be back in a moment."
Sirius sat down at the table heavily, finishing his meal. James was down within fifteen minutes, raking his hands through his hair repeatedly.
"How is she?"
"Sleeping like the dead," James sat down across from him and the two women left the room. "She needed the outlet; she'd been bottling it up for ages. She can do that now, thanks to her lessons, if it comes in small bits and pieces," James sighed. "It's almost worse, for her anyways; she's been looking like hell for a week."
"Why is she holding it?" Sirius asked curious.
James shrugged, "As if I know. I've been telling her for ages to let it go, but you know how she is."
"Mule."
James hummed in agreement. "You're here now though, so that's one less thing to worry about," he frowned. "Speaking of which, how the bloody hell did you get through the wards?"
Sirius contemplated the question, "I think it was Nimbus and Arch to be honest, because they're allowed in the wards."
James frowned, "There must be a glitch somewhere, dad will have to take a look at it."
They sat in silence for a moment before James asked, "So, going to tell me what made you leave?"
Sirius winced, "It isn't pretty."
"I promise not to make anything explode," they both smirked at the joke before Sirius began.
"My aunt and uncle came to stay with us, they brought Vulpy," James made a throaty sound and grimaced at the statement. "Vulp let slip over dinner that my parents had planned to have us wed by summer's end and that I'd be transferred to Durmstrang."
Sirius waited patiently for James to re-enter the realm of the living, his hazel eyes had turned dull brown in horror, his mouth hanging open oddly.
"They… and you – but," James struggled to get words out coherently. "Durmstrang married!" he managed at last, slumping in his seat. Sirius nodded slowly. "Merlin's pants! Bloody nutters…" James was still awed. "Damn good thing Swift is out, she'd burn the place to the ground."
Sirius nodded in agreement, Emma had been one of the reasons he'd kept quiet, although that had made her almost as mad as the truth might… "What now?"
James looked surprised by the question, though Sirius thought it was a good one. "Now you get some rest, dad's already brought your stuff up to your room. We'll put the bike somewhere in the back and get along with summer," James grinned. "Swift will be right as rain in no time, this is sure to be a good year."
When Sirius descended the stairs the next morning it was to find Emma already up, the paper folded at her side. She was rolling six dice, each of a different colour, and frowning.
"You alright?" Sirius asked taking a seat across from her and watching the dice roll.
Emma shrugged, scooping the dice up and rolling, "Fine, you?" she looked up from her game, observing him.
"Alive and kicking," Sirius smiled. Emma humphed, turning back to the die, "What are you doing?"
"Rolling."
"Because?"
Emma shrugged, "Worms said that dice were used in divination, I'm trying to read them."
"You're not taking divination?"
"I know."
Sirius frowned as she rolled again, noticing the colours: red, green, yellow, black, blue and white. "Have you deduced anything?"
"No," Emma sighed, leaning away from the table. "No one's dead," she said nodding towards the paper. "A few Death Eaters tried to take out an Auror – Moody? But he's perfectly fine, trounced them."
"That's good," they sat in silence for a while, watching the sun rise.
"I hate this," Sirius said at last. "What happened to the good old days? Back when we made broomsticks for Hagrid and our biggest concern was whether or not Minnie was only pretending she loved us."
Emma snorted, "I don't think McGonagall is pretending, her feelings of annoyance are pretty genuine. As for those days? I really couldn't tell you."
Sirius nodded, "Well, I'll go wake up sleeping beauty, today looks like a lovely opportunity for a game of quiditch."
A few days passed in this mode, but pretty soon it was obvious that quiditch wasn't just being played for fun. It was one of their only outlets.
Sirius and James sat out back fixing the motorbike up with magic, thankful that the Ministry couldn't prosecute them for it, one of the many bonuses to having over aged wizards around, no one knew who'd done the magic.
"Well I don't see why not," the boys looked up to see Emma in conversation with Mrs. Potter.
"Really?" Emma sounded so hopeful, more hopeful then they had heard in ages.
"It's the last place anyone would look," Mary smirked. "I don't know how the boys will take it though."
They watched with raised eyebrows as Emma practically skipped over to them, "Alright Marauders, anyone up for an adventure?"
Sirius looked in the mirror, turning to see himself from different sides. Emma's marvellous idea had been a trip into the muggle part of town, which, he had to admit, wasn't that bad. He dressed casually, black leather jacket over a white shirt and black jeans. He grinned as a knock sounded at the door and pulling it open found not Emma, but James.
"Isn't she dressed yet?" Sirius asked in exasperation, taking in James' appearance swiftly. He wore jeans and a white top with a blue plaid shirt over it.
James shrugged, "I think she's in the kitchen, Merlin knows what she's doing though."
Sirius sighed, making his way down the stairs with James. Emma, he soon discovered, was not in the house.
"Where in the name of Merlin?" he stopped himself, having almost run his hands through his hair.
"Found her!"
Sirius followed James' voice, pausing in confusion when he saw Emma and Harold talking over his bike with Emma's father.
"What are you doing?" Sirius asked coming up to them.
"Malcolm was just helping me get a grasp of the engine," Harold explained. "The more I know the easier it will be to fix up."
Sirius was stunned for a second, "You mean you're going to fix it up for me?"
"As long as you want me to," Harold nodded. "I haven't touched it yet if it's a problem."
"No – I just… thank you, for everything," Sirius smiled.
Harold grinned, "You're part of the family now Sirius, I should have this up and running in no time."
Sirius was still grinning when Emma motioned for James and him to follow her and it wasn't until then that he noticed her outfit, simple blue jeans a green shirt and of course, her becoming-trademark griffin feathers.
They followed her out of the wards, laughing as they made their way up the walk, just three more muggles in the crowd.
"Wow!" James exclaimed finally getting a good look at where they were going. "Where is that?"
"It's a mall," Emma explained. "Sort of like the muggle version of Diagon Alley, but inside."
"Awesome!" Sirius whispered, his face lighting up as he took the revolving door at a run.
"Padfoot wait!" Emma called but it was too late and Sirius was left going around in a fast paced circle that left other shoppers laughing.
"How do I get out of this thing?" Sirius yelled.
"When you see an opening get out – NO!" Emma hit her head as Sirius ran into one of the walls. "That was a glass wall you idiot!"
Emma took the door at a run, jumping into the door beside Sirius, "Stop running!" Together they slowed the door down and eventually the other shoppers (many crying) used the door again.
James was a bit more level headed about the door, walking through it rather then taking it at breakneck speeds.
"We could totally use that to catch Voldemort!" Sirius reasoned as they made their way further into the wall.
"I doubt a revolving door could catch Voldemort," Emma sighed.
"It caught me!"
"I wouldn't be shouting that out for the world to hear if I was you Padfoot."
Sirius frowned, "You're such a kill joy."
Emma snorted, "Alright doorman."
"Shut up!"
James laughed and the trio made their way through the mall. A group of girls passed by them then, giggling and pointing at Sirius, with flirty waves.
"I really am ruggedly handsome aren't I?" Sirius asked, observing himself in a shop window.
Emma snorted, "You're gorgeous, now come on Princess."
"You're just jealous because I'm hotter then you," Sirius teased, beside him James made a warning sound.
"You think so?" Emma's tone was mocking.
"I know it Hun," Sirius grinned. He inhaled in shock when Emma flew into him.
"You really think so?" she purred and Sirius shivered as her breathe tickled his ear.
"Y-yes," he stuttered, swallowing loudly.
"Liar," Emma said hitting his chest and walking away.
"That isn't fair! You can't just do that to people!" Sirius protested while James laughed loudly.
"You should have seen your face!" James said through a laugh.
"Shut up Prongs!" Sirius whined, glaring darkly at Emma.
Emma laughed, "Come on Pads, I'm hungry and the food court is just ahead."
Sirius broke out into a broad grin at the idea of food, exchanging a hungry look with James. Emma yelped as both boys charged forward, grabbing her hands and dragging her towards the promised food.
They returned to the house in high spirits. A day out had been just what they'd needed and they were already full of plans for their next outing.
,.
"James! Sirius! Emma!" Mary Potter's voice echoed throughout the house. "Your OWLs are here!"
She smirked as three sets of feet pounded down the stairs, beside her Nora chuckled flipping the pancakes.
They all thanked her as they took their envelopes, each wearing a different expression. Sirius looked excited, James curious and Emma… like she might throw up…
Sirius took a seat, ripping his envelope open with his teeth, spitting the top off into his lap. "Not bad, not bad," he smirked, displaying the parchment so the rest could see.
ORDINARY WIZARDING LEVEL RESAULTS
Pass Grades: …..Fail Grades:
Outstanding (O)….Poor (P)
Exceeds Expectations (E)…..Dreadful (D)
Acceptable (A)…...Troll (T)
SIRIUS ORION BLACK HAS ACHIEVED:
Astronomy: E
Care of Magical Creatures: E
Charms: E
Defence Against the Dark Arts: O
Herbology: E
History of Magic: D
Muggle Studies: O
Potions: E
Transfiguration: O
"Very good Sirius!" Mary congratulated. "Eight OWLs!"
"So what did you get Prongs?" Sirius asked turning to his best mate.
"Divination blew me out of the water," James sighed. "Seven OWLs."
"Well that isn't bad honey! Come now, let me see!" James turned the parchment around, displaying his marks.
ORDINARY WIZARDING LEVEL RESAULTS
Pass Grades: …...…..Fail Grades:
Outstanding (O)….Poor (P)
Exceeds Expectations (E)…..Dreadful (D)
Acceptable (A)…..Troll (T)
JAMES HAROLD POTTER HAS ACHIEVED:
Astronomy: E
Care of Magical Creatures: E
Charms: E
Defence Against the Dark Arts: O
Divination: D
Herbology: E
History of Magic: D
Potions: E
Transfiguration: O
"Not bad mate. What about you Swifty?" Sirius asked trying to read over her shoulder.
"I didn't fail anything," Emma answered, a small smile creeping onto her face. Sirius watched as she seemed to calculate something in her head.
"So can I see them then?" he asked at last, his patience spent.
"Uhm? Oh yeah! Yeah sure," Emma handed him the paper, still calculating.
ORDINARY WIZARDING LEVEL RESAULTS
Pass Grades: …..Fail Grades:
Outstanding (O)….Poor (P)
Exceeds Expectations (E)…..Dreadful (D)
Acceptable (A)…...Troll (T)
EMMA LOUISE DILL HAS ACHIEVED:
Ancient Runes: E
Astronomy: O
Care of Magical Creatures: O
Charms: O
Defence Against the Dark Arts: O
Herbology: E
History of Magic: A
Potions: E
Transfiguration: O
"See! I told you that incident with the Devil's Snare wouldn't bring you down too much, one level," Sirius shrugged handing the paper off to Mrs. Dill.
"Nine OWLs," James humphed. "You studied enough for them."
Emma stuck out her tongue.
"I really hope Dumbles writes my mum with my marks," Sirius grinned. "She'll blow the house up when she finds out I got an O in Muggle Studies."
Emma snorted, "You had to walk the instructor through turning on the TV!"
"So? You think my mum even knows what a TV is?" Sirius gave a barking laugh. "As If!"
Emma rolled her eyes, "So what are we doing today?"
"Mall," James grinned evilly. "I have come up with a mind blowing prank!"
"Magic?"
"I'm not stupid Swift," James sighed.
"Don't forget about my baby," Emma and James rolled their eyes as Sirius spoke. "She still needs some work."
"You're love for that bike isn't healthy," Emma complained.
"You won't be complaining when I've finished it," Sirius said taking his plate back to the sink to be washed. "I'm going to try and get it to fly."
"Are you insane?"
"I'm only half as crazy as you," Sirius said dodging Emma's fork and sending her a wink before running out of the house to work on his fiancé.
"I'd better go make sure he doesn't blow himself up," Emma sighed standing. James nodded in agreement, following her.
They spent the afternoon in the muggle world again, where James revealed that his prank involved a fishing rod, line and a five pound note.
The three Marauders hid behind a bush, James holding the fishing rod and watching. They had hooked the money to the line and whenever someone tried to grab it James would real in and the person would stumble in confusion. It wasn't long, however, before someone discovered them and gave them an earful.
"It was fun while it lasted," James said, completely thrilled with the day's events.
It was nearing dinner and they were seated around Sirius' bike, using spells and wrenches to achieve their goal.
,.,
"It's finished!" Emma and James looked up from a book on hexes they were reading as Sirius walking in, pumping his fists in victory.
"You got it working?" Emma asked at the same time that James said,
"Can it fly?"
"Yes and yes," Sirius beamed. "We can't take it out though… trace being what it is, but it works!" he whooped and plopped onto the couch.
"Are you three packed yet?" Nora asked coming into the living room with a raised brow.
"Course mum," Emma smiled; James and Sirius nodded in agreement.
"Good," Nora smiled. "And are the owls put away? The train leaves early-"
"We know mum, everything's looked after," Emma assured her.
Nora humphed, "Just wait until tomorrow, one of you will be rushing," she sighed before leaving the room.
Contrary to what Nora had predicted they made it onto the train the next day in record time and before they knew it they were gazing at the billowing red steam engine.
"I don't think I'll ever get used to this," Emma smiled, watching students with owl cages and pet toads talk about their summers.
Sirius grinned, "We're almost Home."
This chapter is dedicated to CriDeLaMouette and Sherbetgirl who helped me get this chapter up on the site, Thank you :)
Thank you to all of my anonymous reviewers, you all rule!